Be part of an 'incredible team'
The RNLI is looking for new volunteers to join its retail team and help to save lives at sea in Cork.
Just like the charity’s lifeboats, the RNLI’s retail team rely on a dedicated volunteer crew - people of all ages and abilities - who can give a little time to help save lives.
Paddy Crowley is the RNLI shop manager at Youghal RNLI where he has been volunteering for the last eight years.
“I first got involved with the RNLI as a lifeboat crew member and I was a helm on the inshore lifeboat for eight years,” said Paddy.
He continued: “It was when I was away from the lifeboat for a while that I was passing the shop one day and I called in and asked if help was needed. Help was needed as there were only two volunteers so I started and have been helping out since. We are open every weekend from 1.30-4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday and during the summer season we take the shop outside.”
As for what he finds most enjoyable about the role, Paddy said: “It is the comradeship between the lifeboat crew and ourselves in the shop and our customers are very important. I would encourage anyone interested in helping out to come along and try it.
“You can gain some invaluable skills and training whilst volunteering at a shop and become part of an incredible team. If you enjoy meeting and interacting with people, are confident in handling money, it really is a role you will love.”
RNLI shops started out as simple cake stalls run by volunteers to raise money for their local lifeboat station.
RNLI Community Manager Jennifer Grey said: “Today, we have over 170 RNLI shops around the coast and inland, all of which are still run by our dedicated volunteers. They attract many visitors throughout the year and stock an excellent range of unique souvenirs and gifts.”
Jennifer said the pandemic hit the charity’s shops hard and forced them to close for a period of time but now, having fully reopened, they are looking forward to welcoming visitors throughout 2022.
“To do this successfully, we want to grow our team of shop volunteers and are looking for people who enjoy interacting with others, can help us to provide a high level of customer service and ensure our shops continue to be friendly and welcoming places,” she said.
To find out more about how to get involved in generating vital funds, promoting the work of the RNLI, and applying for roles at the charity, go to volunteering.rnli.org.