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Ken has always enjoyed hands-on work with wood, metal and electrics. Now in his free time, he uses his skills and knowledge to help Mountbatten’s charity warehouse. His specialty is transforming donations that would otherwise be thrown away, into quality items that can be sold to raise funds.

“We recently had a donation of a mirror that was supposed to pivot, but part of the stand was missing and made it dangerous. I went out, found the replacement part and fixed it. It was sold in a shop later that week.

“Mountbatten also provided me a course in PAT testing, and now I can make sure electrical appliances - like kettles and toasters - are safe and ready to sell.”

Ken, 69, retired from his job nearly three years ago. Last February, he decided that he wanted to help out in the warehouse in Chandler’s Ford, alongside his wife, Heather.

“I’ve always got a buzz out of fixing things, at work and at home. After I retired, I eventually ran out of things to fix in my house, and I was at a bit of a loose end.”

“Since I started volunteering, I feel like I’m useful again. It gives me something worthwhile to do with my skills.”

Ken and Heather volunteer twice a week in the warehouse, where our supporters drop off large amounts of donations or big furniture. Donations are then sorted and sent out to our seven Hampshire shops to be sold.

“We really need more volunteers to help the warehouse reach its full potential – at the moment we’re only open two days a week, and we’d love if it could be available more often."

“There really is a job for everyone. We need people to help sort donations and decide what can be sold, find things that are really high quality, things that could be fixed or upcycled. We have shop volunteers with creative skills who make displays look nice enough to attract customers. We all do our part.”

Since finding so much enjoyment in volunteering, Ken is hoping to encourage many more people to take part in the cause.

“I got involved because my wife wanted to help out. But she has 30 years of experience volunteering in charity shops, and I never really thought it was for me.

“Now I can’t imagine life without it. Give it a go, and see what it brings you.”

With your time and skills, you could help your local hospice raise vital funds.

We’re recruiting people in our Chandler’s Ford warehouse and across our shops. Get in touch below.

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Or chat with our friendly team to see if this role is right for you. Call us on 02382 548852 or email us.