Volunteer displays outstanding contribution to charity

A Worcester woman has created a dazzling rainbow themed display in the window of the Age UK Wyvern charity shop on Mealcheapen Street to celebrate Pride month. Kim Tasker is also looking back over the contribution she has made to the charity, creating hundreds of eye-catching window displays during the 17 years she has volunteered at the shop.

Kim started working at the Age UK Wyvern charity shop after a recommendation from a friend.  She carries out a wide range of tasks to help keep the shop running smoothly, but it is her gorgeous displays for which she is best known. “People often comment on the displays when they come in to buy something,” said shop manager Mandy Brookes. “It’s one of the things we’ve become known for.”

This month’s display highlights Pride Month, an annual celebration of the contribution of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual and queer culture and community, and celebrates diversity through bringing together many vibrant colours. The displays change regularly throughout the year, however, and include festive holidays such as Christmas and Easter, as well as national events such as the King’s Coronation. “The coronation was such a fun one to do as I got to make a coronation cape,” explained Kim. “I love the chance to try out new ideas.”

Kim would encourage other people to volunteer for Age UK Wyvern. “The nicest part about volunteering here is the friends you make along the way. You get to know the people who work on the same day as you really well, but we also sometimes have social events where you get to meet other volunteers. You are also able to develop the things that you are good at. When I found something I was interested in, like the window displays, the shop manager encouraged me to pursue this.”

Juliette Kay, Volunteer Coordinator at Age UK Wyvern, backs this up, “We really value the hard work volunteers in our shops put in to help raise essential funds for the charity. We have a wide range of other volunteering opportunities as well so whatever you’re interested in, we should have a role to suit you. Some people might enjoy face to face contact such as befriending a lonely older person or helping at a club, whereas other people might prefer sorting and preparing donations at our shops." 

Could you give back some of your free time like Kim?

Age UK Wyvern relies on the support of its volunteers from across Herefordshire & South Worcestershire. Without the selfless acts of these general public volunteers, we would not be able to operate in the way we do today. Our volunteers not only help provide crucial funding for the charity, but also work directly with a lot of our clients to provide lifelines through our services and social activities.

Volunteering does not have to be a chore. It can be an avenue for people to explore their interests, extend their skillset, give back to their local community and achieve a sense of purpose. It is also a great way for students and other young people to get experience of the workplace and grow their confidence and great for older people who may be retired and are looking to keep active and stay involved in their community.

What are the benefits of volunteering with us?

• Learn new skills and develop existing ones
• Develop your confidence and gain experience of the workplace
• Meet new people and connect with your community 
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel costs incurred
• Ongoing support and training where relevant
• Become part of our wider volunteer network to support our cause