Being a shop volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care isn’t all about trawling through bin bags and stacking shelves.
Time spent in our shops can develop a new skill, increase confidence, or bring out a hidden creative side.
All that glitters is not gold for volunteer Sian, 58, who is known for spotting a quality jewellery item or two at our shop in Rhiwbina, Cardiff.
In fact, when a pair of pocket watch chains were donated, she knew immediately they were worth something. They later fetched hundreds at auction.
“I could see they were hallmarked, and antique.
I could tell they were quality items, said Sian.
“The chains, one silver and one gold, went up for auction and raised around £600 for Tenovus Cancer Care.”
Sian, a retired lawyer, manages the jewellery shelves of the shop. Not only does she make the shelves sparkle, but she’s built a rapport with several City jewellers, to help her research and make valuations if required.
“I have always loved jewellery – and my mum was obsessed – so it’s the right volunteering role for me.
I enjoy the research side, going online and looking up donated items, for their history and their worth.
I can also be creative in this role. I had never created a shop display before - so putting all the colours together, and arranging the jewellery so it is eye-catching, is something new which I enjoy.
People donate all kinds of attractive jewellery to the shop, and you can tell some have been sentimental too. There was a jewellery box donated the other day full of old items tangled up. I sorted through it, untying the chains, to see what was good to put on our shelves.”
Sian started volunteering at the shop after a close relative was diagnosed with cancer three years ago.
Jewellery has become an income spinner for the shop, with the amount raised more than doubling year-on-year. Items for sale recently include a vintage gold tone Givenchy choker necklace, a vintage Ermani Bulatti brass mother of pearl necklace, and a 9-carat white gold amethyst, peridot, and blue topaz necklace.
Sian explains: “I wanted to do something different and push myself out of my comfort zone after years’ doing something else. Volunteering for Tenovus Cancer Care in a shop could not be more different to being a lawyer.
At first, I wasn’t comfortable with the thought of working behind the till, but my confidence developed, and I am used to it now - the staff and volunteers have been great.
If you have a special occasion coming up, or just want a bit of retail therapy, why not pop in, and have a look. You never know what you might discover.”
