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‘Alan has been a fantastic volunteer over the years’

IT WAS retirement that led Alan Murphy to start volunteering.

Alan Murphy has been volunteering at Relationships Guernsey for 11 years.  (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 34779411)
Alan Murphy has been volunteering at Relationships Guernsey for 11 years. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 34779411) / Guernsey Press

He has now worked in Relationships Guernsey’s charity shop in Smith Street for more than a decade.

‘I had worked every day since the day after I left school and I got bored when I retired so I started in the shop,’ he said.

‘I serve customers and help putting stuff away. I enjoy it.’

Having spent much of his life working in pubs and and hotels, volunteering in a people-facing role was a no-brainer for Alan.

‘I meet loads of people and we are busy, especially when the cruises are in,’ he said.

Relationships Guernsey manager Michelle Champion said volunteers such as Alan were a great help in fundraising for the charity’s services.

‘Alan has been a fantastic volunteer over the years for three different charities in this shop and I don’t know what I would do without him. His willingness to open so early in the morning has meant thousands of extra pounds for the charities over the 11 years since we took over from Oxfam,’ she said.

‘Volunteers give their time, energy and compassion so generously. Their commitment makes a real difference, and our community is stronger because of them.

'The funds raised at the shop are a lifeline for the charity and we are so grateful to the volunteers who keep the shop running by covering the till, sorting donations and rotating stock. We are always looking for volunteers to join our friendly team.’

n If you are interested in volunteering with Relationships Guernsey, call 01481 724200.

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