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More volunteers, please, and don't dump stuff, says Oxfam as stores set to reopen

The street's bookshop and record stores have been closed during the Covid pandemic lockdown.

Oxfam is to reopen its stores on Byres Road on July 15.

But the aid charity is looking for more volunteers to help out at what will be a busy time.

The street's bookshop and record store have been closed during the Covid pandemic lockdown.

 Oxfam stores have been closed during lockdown.
Oxfam stores have been closed during lockdown.

Scotland's network of 42 Oxfam's are expected to beginning opening from next week.

The charity hopes the vast majority of its Scottish shops will re-open from next Wednesday.

Oxfam says that protecting staff, volunteers, and customers from Covid-19 remains its priority.

Shops will be implementing strict protocol, including social distancing and readily available hand sanitiser.

Appeal

Staff will have masks and gloves, screens at tills, and stores will have regular and frequent cleaning and closed changing rooms.

Donated items will be isolated for 48 hours before they are sorted and contactless payment will be encouraged.

Oxfam is appealing for people in Glasgow to call their local shop before dropping off items.

Shoppers are being urged not to leave donations outside when stores are closed.

 Byres Road music shop.
Byres Road music shop.

Tom Richardson is Oxfam's operations manager for Scotland and the north of England.

He said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming the people of Glasgow back through our doors and our staff are working tirelessly to ensure we can do so safely.

“We know that many people have used lockdown as an opportunity to have a good clear out, so it’s likely that you’ll be able to find some real gems in our shops once they re-open; after all, one person’s clutter is another’s treasure.

“People in Glasgow have always been extremely generous in supporting Oxfam’s stores; whether through volunteering, donating or shopping and we hope that support continues as the vital funds raised by our shops are needed now more than ever.

“Every pound spent in our Glasgow shops will help fight poverty and protect some of the world’s poorest communities from coronavirus.

"When you buy a pair of jeans in Oxfam you’re doing more than bagging a bargain and supporting sustainable fashion; you’re helping us to deliver life-saving items like soap and clean water to the people who need them most.”

'Goodwill'

Oxfam is appealing for volunteers to help its shops get back to business over the summer.

Each shop typically relies on a team of 30 dedicated volunteers and one or two staff.

Tom said: “Oxfam relies on the goodwill and generosity of our volunteer team to help run our shops and we’re always looking for more help.

"We’ve all got the power to help change the world and everyone who volunteers in our shops is doing their bit, in their own way, to help create a fairer future for everyone.”

Volunteers are asked to give as little as four hours a week of their time and can take up a range of vital roles.

In advance of Scottish shops re-opening, people are invited to register their interest in volunteering online.

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