Emine’s Story, Volunteers’ Week 2024

When Emine began volunteering in July 2023 she’d be the first to admit that she wasn’t 100% sure what to expect. However she was determined to volunteer her time for a good cause and to help improve her English. Originally from Turkey, Emine explained that charity shops aren’t common back home and the culture is quite different.

Emine said: “In Turkey it is more usual for communities to come together and share clothing and items with neighbours or friends. Charity shops don’t really exist where I am from. It was important to me, and is part of my religion, to want to do good in this world and to help others. I signed up to become a shop volunteer and I really enjoy it. I love charity shops.”

Each week Emine helps out at our Meadowfield Furniture & Homeware Store to sort, steam, hang, size and ticket donated clothes. These items are then distributed for sale in our nine charity shops across the County.

She added: “To me volunteering is about giving time to a good cause, specifically to help an organisation and your community, or an individual you are not related to. I can’t directly help the people that the Hospice care for but I can by helping to raise funds in the shop. Helping others is important as well as doing something that helps to reduce waste – that’s important too.”

“I see volunteering as a hobby. It’s stress-free and an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. The biggest reason why I started volunteering at Meadowfield was that the employees there were smiling and sincere, and they tried to help as much as they can. I have made friends since being here and it has helped to improve my English.”

“I am completing an English course with Durham Learn and was required to do a talk in the class for 5-10 minutes on the topic of charity. I chose to talk about volunteering. I was so relaxed talking about this topic and the teacher was very happy with what I had to say. My friends in the class were interested in volunteering after hearing me talk. I’d encourage anyone to give it a try – I’m sure you’d love it too.”