New shop volunteers needed to help save lives at sea at Islay RNLI
The RNLI is looking for new shop volunteers to join its lifesaving team on Islay
Just like the charity’s lifeboats, the RNLI’s retail team need a dedicated volunteer crew - people of all ages and abilities - who can give a little time to help save lives at sea.
Alison Kinross has been a shop volunteer on Islay for nearly six years, she says: 'I have enjoyed the chance to spend a few hours a week working in the RNLI shop at Port Askaig, helping raise money for the vital work done by the RNLI. We sell a wide range of quality RNLI merchandise to customers - both visitors and local people - who are also keen to support the RNLI's lifesaving work. It has also been great to have the chance to get involved with Islay's fundraisers when shop stock is sold at events around the island.'
‘You can gain some invaluable skills and training whilst volunteering at a shop and become part of an incredible team. If you enjoy meeting and interacting with people, are confident in handling money, it really is a role you will love.’
RNLI shops started out as simple cake stalls run by volunteers to raise money for their local lifeboat station.
‘These stalls started selling commemorative RNLI products in around 1920 and quickly moved on to selling souvenirs and Christmas cards with all profits helping save lives at sea,’ Lynsey Anderson, RNLI Community Manager explained.
‘Today, we have over 170 RNLI shops around the coast and inland, all of which are still run by our dedicated volunteers. They attract many visitors throughout the year and stock an excellent range of unique souvenirs and gifts.
‘The pandemic unfortunately hit our shops hard as they closed for periods of time in line with Covid-19 restrictions. We were delighted when we could reopen them safely in accordance with government guidance and are looking forward to welcoming our visitors in 2022. To do this successfully, we want to grow our team of shop volunteers and are looking for people who enjoy interacting with others, can help us to provide a high level of customer service and ensure our shops continue to be friendly and welcoming places.’
To find out more about how you can help generate vital funds, promote the work of the RNLI, and apply, go to https://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/shop-volunteersislay-474256.html?_ga=2.175802146.1807215458.1644819346-1504325062.1603365337
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.