A NEW paid manager who has been a development volunteer in Africa started this week as part of a bid to save Spalding’s Oxfam shop.
The shop has been under threat of closure after 50 years of trading in the town because while it makes a profit, it doesn’t make enough to be viable in Oxfam’s terms.
Last week volunteer manager for the past 19 years Rita Nottage handed over to Oxfam supporter Gary Peatling, who will work with the all-volunteer team to save the Station Street shop.
Gary said: “I’ve always supported Oxfam because it is the original charity which really gets things done in the developing world, and I know I have that in common with the very loyal group of volunteers we have in Spalding who’ve worked for Oxfam here for many years.
“Their loyalty and that of the customers and donors to the shop is hugely valued, and we’ll be working together to give the Spalding shop a viable future.”
Plans include:
l Recruiting more volunteers
l Signing up every tax-paying donor to Gift Aid, which boosts the value of donated items by 25p in the pound – starting by asking all supporters to bring in at least one item and sign up
l Possibly opening after 4pm and on Sundays
Rita said: “I feel I was privileged to work for Oxfam and have enjoyed every minute.”