About Advertise with us Get our newsletter
Facebook Twitter Instagram

News

Oxfam expects a flood of giving to stores on Byres Road

The charity is facing a shortfall of hundreds of volunteers in Scotland.

Oxfam on Byres Road needs volunteers to help deal with an anticipated deluge of donations from West Enders.

The charity is preparing to open its doors from Monday April 26.

Byres Road is home to a large bookshop and a popular music shop.

And the expectation is that books and sounds will come flooding in after months of people being locked in their homes.

Oxfam has nine stories in Glasgow.

Sales from the first day of trading following the re-opening of its English and Welsh shops were up 77% on 2019 figures.

It was the busiest Monday for sales for Oxfam outwith Christmas.

However, the charity is facing a shortfall of hundreds of volunteers in Scotland.

Existing volunteers are currently unable to return due to shielding. 

Tom Richardson, Oxfam's Interim Head of Retail, says more volunteers are needed to help sort and sell the donations.

He said: “Money raised by the dedicated staff and volunteers in Oxfam’s Glasgow shops helps fight poverty and injustice around the world; providing people with lifesaving essentials like clean water and soap as well as the hope of a better future.  

Music shop volunteer, Ignacio, looks at donated CDs in Byres Road. Photo: Kieran Doherty
Music shop volunteer, Ignacio, looks at donated CDs in Byres Road. Photo: Kieran Doherty

“We know from the last lockdown that people will have taken the chance to have a good declutter and we’re anticipating a deluge of generous donations. 

“As we prepare to get back to business in a Covid-safe way we’re encouraging people from all walks of life who want to live in a fairer, more sustainable world to consider giving one of the greatest gifts of all: their time.” 

Volunteers are asked to give as little as a few hours a week of their time and can take up a range of vital roles, from serving customers to sorting donations and arranging window displays.

Each shop typically relies on a team of 30 dedicated volunteers and one or two staff, with more than 1,500 volunteers required across the country.    

As we prepare to get back to business in a Covid-safe way we’re encouraging people from all walks of life who want to live in a fairer, more sustainable world to consider giving one of the greatest gifts of all: their time' 

Tom Richardson

As well as volunteers, Oxfam’s Glasgow stores are also appealing for good quality donations, including clothing, books, music and bric-a-brac.

Richardson said: “People in Glasgow have always been generous in their support of Oxfam’s shops, whether through shopping, donating or volunteering and we’re looking forward to safely welcoming people back through our doors. 

“Given the volume of donations we’re anticipating, the stores promise to be treasure troves of gems for savvy, sustainable shoppers.” 

Protecting staff, volunteers, and customers from Covid-19 remains Oxfam’s priority.

Shop teams continue to implement strict protocol, including social distancing and safety measures.

Share this story
Glasgow West End Today Loading