RNLI shops seek new volunteers in Cornwall to help raise vital funds

The lifesaving charity is recruiting for new volunteers in the shops at Falmouth, Newquay, Mevagissey, Fowey, and Sennen Cove. This is an important role in which volunteers interact with customers, operate the till and card machine, and champion the RNLI.

After lockdowns meant that shops had to close for much of the past year, this marks an exciting time to join the team as the RNLI shops have been made Covid-secure and are ready to reopen their doors next month and welcome back customers.

Altogether, RNLI shops around the country attract almost 1 million visitors every year, selling an excellent range of unique and competitively priced products ranging from jam to clothing, and key rings to model boats, all to raise vital funds for our volunteer crew members and lifeguards to save lives at sea. We are expecting our shops to be particularly popular this year due to the predicted boom in staycations and people enjoying days out at the coast.

Andy Bramwell, RNLI Community Manager in Cornwall, said:

‘Our shops are incredibly important to the RNLI. Not only do they raise much needed funds for lifesaving, they are also at the heart of coastal communities here in Cornwall. Volunteering in our shops is a great introduction to the RNLI and every conversation our volunteers have with our customers contributes to lifesaving by raising money, sharing water safety knowledge or inspiring the next generation of lifeboat crew.’

‘We’re looking for enthusiastic people who are good communicators, confident handling money, and comfortable working in a customer service environment. Anyone interested in finding out more should apply online by visiting www.rnli.org/volroles.’

Notes to editors

· In Cornwall, we are looking for volunteers in the shops at Falmouth, Newquay, Mevagissey, Fowey, and Sennen Cove.

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Marianne Quinn, Regional Media Officer, on [email protected] or 07786 668847.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.