Emma Burkinshaw, Business Manager with NECS Consultancy, reflects on a day well spent volunteering at the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital charity shop in Liverpool.
“Three members of the North West Consultancy team at NECS – Holly Crabtree, Kerry Harvey and myself – volunteered for the day at the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital charity shop in Old Swan, Liverpool. The day was dedicated to preparing the store for the festive season and pricing stock, all in support of an incredible cause.
“I really appreciate that NECS offers, and actively encourages, the one paid day of volunteering leave each year to staff. Whilst working for NECS, I have enjoyed using this day to support the local community every year. Our North West team is particularly proactive in organising various opportunities and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives throughout the year.
“Making use of the volunteering day is a great way to support the community, allow time away from our desks and strengthen relationships with colleagues. The time can be spent on an individual cause, charity or local community group of our choice. NECS’ commitment to giving back allows us to make a meaningful impact both locally and nationally, thanks to our fantastic team across the country.
“This volunteering day was kindly organised and coordinated by Holly, who managed the paperwork and liaised with the team at Alder Hey. Alder Hey Children’s Charity plays a pivotal role in supporting Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Healthcare Campus by raising funds for vital equipment, play specialists, activities, research and innovation to support the hospital and the children and young people they care for.
“We met the team at the Alder Hey charity shop in the morning, curious about what our tasks would be for the day. After a warm welcome and tour of the store and staff rooms, we began working. With it being the build up to Christmas, the staff asked if we could assemble and display Christmas trees for sale in the shop and to make the store look festive. Our attempts to assemble multiple trees on the shop floor created laughter and conversation with shoppers, and we even sold one of the trees within the first ten minutes!
“We spent the remainder of the day pricing children’s toys and arranging displays. The whole day was a lovely opportunity to spend time with Holly and Kerry, outside of our traditional work environment.
“I am grateful for NECS’ commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, which allows us to take time each year to volunteer. I’d also like to thank the staff at Alder Hey Children’s Charity on behalf of our team for welcoming us and giving us the chance to contribute to their hugely meaningful work.”