I started my journey with St Michael’s Hospice in 2021 and was proud to re-open the Rye shop after the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a huge decision to change my occupation to charity retail from holiday park entertainment but it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

I love being in the heart of the community and being able to provide so much for the town of Rye and its surrounding areas. We are more than just a charity shop, not only are we able to provide great quality, pre-loved goods whilst raising essential funds for the Hospice, we are also a listening ear to anybody who would like to chat or a smiling face to an excited child who has found a new toy.

The volunteers in the Rye shop are the most amazing, hard working and dedicated group of people, they make every day with them a real pleasure. Our team is a family, we are fully supported by the wider Retail and Hospice team. They are always on hand to help and advise when we need it.

Working in the shop gives me such joy, no two days are the same. I love that I’m able to create exciting window displays and find hidden gems generously donated by our lovely donors, who we are very grateful for. My most successful venture so far is working with the local school on window displays and school trips to the shop. This helps the next generation to learn about who we are what we do. The school uniform project, selling pre-loved uniform at affordable prices, has also meant we have been able to provide support for many families throughout their school journey.

I love my job because it gives me an opportunity to help others whilst working with some incredibly inspirational people.

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