Staff and volunteers of Cwmbran’s British Heart Foundation Cymru shop have celebrated the shop’s 25th anniversary with a birthday party.
They were joined by Lynne Neagle, AM for Torfaen, who presented volunteers with certificates and thanked them for their time and dedication to the BHF.
WATCH two volunteers from Cwmbran talk about their shop
It was a special occasion for long-serving volunteers, Pam Jones and Sandra Cole, who each received a special award. Pam started volunteering in the Cwmbran shop just months after it opened 25 years ago, and has dedicated at least two afternoons a week of her time on the shop floor ever since.
Sandra has volunteered for BHF Cymru for 18 years, working on the till for many years and now gives her time at the back of the shop preparing and tagging stock.
Both women are described by colleagues as family orientated, caring and helpful to customers and other staff members.
The North Walk shop offers a range of goods from clothes and accessories to books, vinyl and DVDs, with funds raised helping towards research into heart and circulatory diseases.
BHF Cwmbran has two shop managers, Michelle and Elouise, who job share the role.
Michelle Taylor said: “We’ve been in the centre of Cwmbran for 25 years and we couldn’t do it without our loyal customers and volunteers who really make this shop special. I feel privileged to work with such wonderful volunteers. They show so much dedication to the shop and the BHF and we’ve formed lots of strong friendships.”
Elouise Williams said: “I want to say a huge thank you to our wonderful team. They all do a fantastic job and the shop wouldn’t be the same without them.”
Last year, BHF Cymru’s 35 shops raised more than £7.4 million for research work into the prevention, diagnosis and support for people living with heart and circulatory diseases.
Lynne Neagle, AM for Torfaen, said: “I’ve really enjoyed meeting many of the dedicated staff and volunteers that work here and be part of their celebrations today. If you have not yet visited the store then I would recommend calling in to see what great bargains are on offer. Each item sold in the store will help the BHF to fund more life-saving heart research.”
Adam Fletcher, Head of BHF Cymru, said: “Our research has already helped save thousands of lives but we couldn’t fund this vital work without our shops, staff and volunteers, and I can’t thank everyone enough for the time and energy they give each day. Every pound raised in our shops is used to fund new breakthroughs to help prevent, treat and cure heart and circulatory diseases and so every donation is really appreciated.”
Volunteer for the British Heart Foundation
To volunteer at a shop, make a donation or find out more about the BHF’s research, visit www.bhf.org.uk
