This Student Volunteering Week, Havens Hospices says students could be key to helping expand its online shops which raise thousands of pounds each month.  

The charity relies on fundraising efforts and its 23 shops across Essex to raise vital income to help fund its free hospice care to children, young people and adults.  

As a result of the pandemic, Havens Hospices evolved its e-commerce offering a wide range of fashionable, vintage and collectable items on its eBay and Depop shops to continue raising income during shop closures and lockdowns.  

The E-commerce Volunteer role is perfect opportunity for students, particularly those studying photography, retail or fashion. They can use their skills and gain work experience to improve their CV. Volunteers will assist the charity with sorting, photographing, listing and packing items ready to be shipped to customers across the UK.

Sarah Schubert, E-commerce Manager at Havens Hospices said: “In 2021 our volunteers helped to sell, pack and ship over 5,000 items from our eBay shop which raised more than £130,000 to help fund our specialist hospice care to local families. Our volunteers are vital to the running of our e-commerce.  Without their help none of this would have been possible.  

“We sell a fantastic range of new and preloved items which have been gifted by our donors. We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers with a passion for retail and visual merchandising to support our eBay and Depop platforms, looking to give back something to their local community. If you think this is you then we would love to hear from you. We have many opportunities across Essex, so you’re never very far away from a convenient opportunity to develop your skills, meet new people and have fun.” 

To find out more or to apply to be a E-commerce Volunteer at your local Havens Hospices Shop, pop in store or visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/volunteering  

Published 8th February 2022