
RNLI Port Talbot shop team receive deserving award
At a special meeting on Wednesday 18 December, Clive Morris Lifeboat Operations Manager presented the Port Talbot shop volunteers with a prestigious RNLI Excellence in Volunteering Award for the outstanding work the team has undertaken in the last few years.
In mid 2021 there was just one shop volunteer opening the shop every Sunday morning, by late 2022 they were 16 volunteers and by December 2023 the numbers of volunteers peaked at 30 with volunteers opening the shop between 10am and 4pm Monday to Sunday.
The increase in volunteers and their dedication to keeping the shop open and attending community events such as fayres, fetes and open days maximised footfall and sales with in 2023 with over £32,000 raised in sales and this year they surpassed that by achieving sales in excess of £34,000.
The team showed remarkable initiative through the use of social media. The station's Facebook page was used to share news of the shop opening hours, products available for sale and to share general updates on shop window displays and any other noteworthy news.
Clive Morris said ‘the work undertaken by everyone involved has been truly exceptional. I am delighted that the RNLI have recognised The Shop team for making the Shop such an incredible success. Like minded people do extraordinary things and they are all a credit to the Port Talbot LifeBoat Station and the RNLI. I thank the team from the bottom of my heart for their loyalty and commitment, without their hard work we would not be able to help provide the lifesaving service our crew carry out here and across the country’
Notes to editor:
The RNLI is a registered charity that saves lives at sea. It provides, on call, a 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue service to 100 miles out from the coast of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland and a beach lifeguard service on over 200 beaches in England and Wales. If you would like more information on fundraising ideas to help raise much needed funds for the RNLI please visit our website for more details or pop into your local station to discuss any fundraising ideas that you may have.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Kirstee David on [email protected] or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.
Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.
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, Twitter 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.