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My Ayrshire Hospice Story
‘Plant smiles, grow laughter, shop pre-loved and you will blossom this Spring’ Our shops have hundreds of stylish pre-loved must-haves just waiting for you to buy. Warmer days are calling and there is no better time to schedule a visit to one or more of our beautiful high street shops. With the Spring season finally here and the need to shop more sustainably increasingly important, make sure you keep the ‘re-wear revolution’ springing its way forward this season!
Caroline Shankley Cumnock Assistant Shop Manager
My initial contact with the Ayrshire Hospice dates back to 2014 when I applied to become a volunteer within the hairdressing salon. Having previously worked in hairdressing, I was eager to contribute and help. The night before my first day, I wondered if I had made the right decision. Would everyone be sad and unhappy? However, the reality was quite the opposite. I met a lovely lady named Pauline Hepher, the stylist, who warmly welcomed me and promptly assigned me the role of Salon junior, a job I loved. I had the opportunity to meet lots of staff and patients, and I would chat away to patients while they were getting their hair done, learning all about their lives and family. Pauline also taught me how to do nails, allowing me to offer manicures while she styled their hair. Although I had to pause my involvement due to work commitments, my time at Racecourse Road allowed me to see all the hard work that is involved from all the members of staff in caring for both patients and their families. I am so excited for all the new memories that are yet to be made when the Capital Build Project is complete. Fast forward to 7th June 2021, my first day working for the Ayrshire Hospice in Retail. I’ve worked in retail for 20+ years but nothing prepares you for charity retail, it’s both physically and mentally demanding but also very rewarding. You never know what you are going to find when you open a box or a bag, every day is certainly a school day, and you’re constantly learning - thank goodness for Google Lens and eBay! .................................................................................................. I work in the Cumnock shop, where all the volunteers go above and beyond to help. We are lucky to have customers who are also very loyal and friendly, we often get home baking handed in for the staff and volunteers! .................................................................................................. I really enjoy my work, and the people I meet. Although I feel as if I’m contributing in a different way towards helping the Ayrshire Hospice – and the people it supports - I know it’s just as vital.”
Mauchline Just three years young, our beautiful Mauchline shop stands as the epitome of a hidden gem, tucked away from the main road that winds through this quaint Ayrshire town. It’s worth making a U-turn if you almost miss it! The Mauchline shop pays homage to one of its most famous residents, Robert Burns, and proudly displays a variety of quality donations, ranging from ladieswear to homeware and menswear to kidswear—there is something for everyone.
Our manager, Jillian, along with our wonderful team of volunteers, are already planning their Holy Fair celebrations on the 29th of May. They will host the ever-popular tombola, offer special deals on the day, and provide refreshments for everyone. In the words of Robert Burns himself... “ Nows the day and nows the hour’ to visit our Mauchline Belle.”
April 2024 | EDITION 36
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