Charity shop volunteers survive fire and flood to be named the best in the country

A tenacious team of volunteers who have seen their charity shop hit by both fire and flood have been named the UK’s best by the children’s charity Barnardo’s.

The volunteers at Barnardo’s popular store on Taff Street, Pontypridd have been named UK retail volunteering team of the year after having their commitment well and truly tested.

In the last five years they’ve coped not just with the pandemic but a flooded basement after the River Taff burst its banks and a devastating fire which ruined every item in the store.

Shop manager Cath Williams couldn’t be prouder of her team. They beat volunteer teams from  almost 600 Barnardo’s stores across the country to take the top title in awards run in conjunction with the Marsh Trust.

She said: “They have showed such perseverance over a difficult five years. When our basement flooded in 2020 we were able to reopen just two days later thanks to their incredible hard work, and when the fire forced us to close for a refit our staff and volunteers offered to help out at other stores. They really are very special, and I feel very lucky to have them.”

The team had a warm welcome from local shoppers and businesses when the store reopened after the refit

“There is such a sense of community in Pontypridd. We have a lot of regular customers and people were telling us how they missed us. It’s lovely to have everyone back in now and see the shop as busy as ever,” said Cath.

A team of 39, aged from 15 to 82, give up their time to sort donations, steam and repair items, create displays and serve customers. One of the youngest members is McKenzie Evans who began volunteering two years ago when he was just 14.

“I wanted some work experience and something to do and it’s been great. It’s a really busy shop so there’s lots to do and I really like visual merchandising, creating eye catching displays. I’ve been able to do some social media, and I organised a Fill a Bag event in December which raised £900.

“The team are brilliant and when I leave school in May, I’d really like to do an apprenticeship with Barnardo’s.”

Others have already clocked up many years of volunteering, including Julie Foxhall who joined the team 18 years ago. “I had some spare time on my hands and since I’ve retired, I’ve done a couple of afternoons a week. I like serving customers best and it is absolutely lovely to win the award.”

Even Mark Drakeford tried his hand at volunteering at the store when he was First Minister, joining the Big Help Out on the Coronation weekend, just hours after attending Westminster Abbey to see the King crowned.

Cath said: “We are very fortunate to have so many volunteers, but we are always looking for more and there is no minimum requirement on time.  We can find a task for everyone and if you have a hobby or interest, we’ll find just the right one for you.”

If you are interested in volunteering in Pontypridd or any Barnardo’s store, call in and have a chat or visit the website Barnardos.org.uk/volunteering.