A Kings Heath volunteer has been praised for more than a decade of dedication to a children’s charity.
Yvonne Yates was a store associate at the Barnardo’s store in Kings Heath for ten years, until her retirement in 2007.
But she enjoyed her work so much that she returned as a volunteer for a further ten years.
Now she is sharing her story in advance of national Volunteers’ Week which runs from June 1-7, after being presented with a certificate of appreciation, a badge, a celebratory cake and flowers on Tuesday afternoon.
Barnardo’s manager Julie Collins said: “Yvonne is very committed to the charity and to the Kings Heath team of staff and volunteers.
“It’s so heartwarming that she believes so passionately in our work that she continues to support us even after retiring from the store.
“She’s always smiling and always happy, and such a help to the rest of us.”
Yvonne, aged 70, was a teacher for 29 years, working at Billesley and Alston primary schools.
She said: “After retirement I wanted to volunteer to help others. I went into Kings Heath and walked up and down the street looking at the charity shops.
“I was really impressed by the amazing window display at Barnardo’s, and I liked the idea of continuing to support children, so I went inside and applied to join.”
Yvonne was soon promoted to the role of sales assistant and spent the next years in a paid role with the charity.
When she retired from Barnardo’s she wanted to return to volunteering again, and decide to stay at the Kings Heath store.
She said: “I wouldn’t have dreamed of going anywhere else. Obviously I don’t get paid anymore but I enjoy not having the responsibility of helping to manage the shop.
“There’s a lovely atmosphere, we’ve got lots of really nice customers, and we all get along so very well.
“Every day is different. You never know what you’re going to find among the donations – I remember one of the volunteers opened a cardboard box and found a glass eye staring back at her!
“It’s great fun, and it’s good to know that we’re all working together to raise money for such a worthy cause.”
The Barnardo’s store is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-5pm and on Sunday from 10am-4pm.
The team always welcome donations of good-quality clothes, books, toys, games, homeware and accessories, as well as offers of help from potential volunteers.
