Michael: “Volunteering is one of the best things you can do”
Michael Reynolds from Ramsgate volunteered within Pilgrims Hospices’ retail team from 2021-2022. He enjoyed his role at the Ramsgate shop, helping with the day-to-day operations that keep it running smoothly and provide an excellent experience for both customers and donors.
The Pilgrims team helped Michael to develop his skills, and he felt so supported that he ultimately found permanent employment as a Retail Supervisor at a local Morrisons Daily store.
The thank you card that Michael gave to the Ramsgate shop team when he left his volunteer role at Pilgrims
Michael shares how his volunteer role made a positive impact in his life and why others should get involved.
Michael’s mum, Sara, was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and cared for by Pilgrims towards the end of her life.
Michael said: “Before I started volunteering, my mental health was not at its best. My mother passed away in 2019, after which I’d planned her funeral and had to try to find somewhere to live. I didn’t think I was ready for work, or even ready for anything. I’d barely had time to grieve.
“But I couldn’t stay at home, moping around. My friends had been so supportive but I needed to get out there.
“I heard that Pilgrims’ Ramsgate shop was looking for volunteers and decided to go for it. Pilgrims had been so wonderful and supported Mum and my family during her battle with cancer – some of the staff even attended her funeral. I wanted to give back however I could; volunteering seemed like a fantastic way to do that.
“When I started, I was very much “in my shell”, but over time I gained confidence. At the Ramsgate shop, I didn’t have colleagues, I had a family. I loved every moment. I operated tills, processed donations, priced them up and helped move furniture donations. I had a wonderful relationship with staff and customers alike and thoroughly enjoyed my time as a volunteer.”
It’s one of the best things you can do; you meet great new people, gain valuable experience, and develop truly helpful life skills. Volunteering is a crucial part of supporting your local community and the charity you are volunteering for.
Michael
Alex Hancock, Shop Manager, added:
“When Michael started with us, he was very shy. As time went on, his confidence grew. He was always very polite, helpful, and an absolute credit to the store. So many customers and volunteers would compliment his manners and courteousness. He became a real asset to the team, willing to step in at short notice if needed. I was delighted when Michael got the job at Morrisons Daily, but also gutted for the store as I knew we were losing a valuable part of the Ramsgate family. We wish him all the very best in his role and future career.”
And what would Michael tell someone who is considering volunteering for Pilgrims?
“It’s one of the best things you can do; you meet great new people, gain valuable experience, and develop truly helpful life skills. Volunteering is a crucial part of supporting your local community and the charity you are volunteering for. Never, ever, pass up the opportunity.
“By volunteering for Pilgrims, you become part of a family who all want to do right by the community. Pilgrims pulled me out of a depressed state and pushed me to do better for myself, and now I’m a Retail Supervisor.
Volunteers’ Week celebrates the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. The celebration starts on the first Monday in June every year. It’s a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
21st May 2024
Slow fashion fashionistas support Pilgrims Hospices Kilo Sale
Pilgrims Hospices’ popular Kilo Sale eventreturns to St Peter’s Church Hall, Canterbury on Saturday 1 June 2024, promising fabulous bargains, sustainable shopping, and supporting local hospice care. The venue is located just behind Store50, Pilgrims one-stop shop for pre-loved, sustainable style at affordable prices.
Local fashionistas and Instagram influencers Charli Bevan and Laura Bruton from Sittingbourne, and Hannah Weet from Medway, share their top tips for shopping sustainably.
Charli shares her passion for second-hand fashion via her Instagram account @thebrightlife_charli.
“The Pilgrims Kilo Sales are always so well run with so many amazing items included on the rails – I’ve been absolutely blown over by how much high quality and new with tags stock has been available at previous events. There is also a great range of sizes and styles. The staff and volunteers are so friendly, and all the money goes to a fantastic cause. My favourite finds from a previous kilo sale were some trench coats from Zara and M&S. They are amazing quality, should have retailed for between £50-100 each, and I wear them almost every day in the spring.
“My advice for making the most of a kilo sale is to check all the sizes. Labels and numbers are just that, and there’s so much variation between brands that it’s always worth looking at a wider size range, as things often come up much smaller or larger than you would think.
“There are so many benefits to shopping pre-loved; the most obvious is the positive impact it has on the planet to prevent more and more clothes being manufactured, but there is also the cost element – you can get clothes that are still very much ‘on trend’ for a fraction of the price, as people and companies themselves donate stock so quickly. It also enables you to build a really unique wardrobe. You never know what you’ll come across, and the cheaper prices allow you to experiment with styles you otherwise wouldn’t… if it doesn’t work out, you can re-sell on pre-loved shopping platforms or donate it back.”
Laura is a graphic designer for a vegan beauty brand. Alongside her full-time role, she creates content for her Instagram account @_thegreendiva, where she shares her love for all things pre-loved fashion, sustainability and veganism.
“First and foremost, charity shopping just feels like a win-win for me. Not only are you lowering your carbon footprint by not buying new, but you are also saving money, preventing clothes from going to landfill, and most importantly, supporting an amazing cause.
“I’ve had some amazing finds over the years, but one of my recent faves actually came from the Pilgrims Kilo Sale in February 2024. I came home with a brand new Lavish Alice dress that is to die for, it fits me like a glove and genuinely makes me feel amazing!
“Kilo sales are such a good way to grab a bargain and find some unique and fun pieces. They’re a great opportunity to find and experiment with your personal style, as you aren’t splurging a lot on the individual items. I’ve found some real gems and just love the thrill of not knowing what I’m going to find amongst the rails! My advice would be to make a “thrifting wish list” of items you’re on the lookout for – that way, you won’t get super overwhelmed and end up buying things you don’t really want or need.
“Although charity shopping contributes to a more circular economy, it’s still easy to over-consume and buy items you don’t want just because they are cheap. Whilst I think the affordability of preloved shopping is a great reason to experiment with items you wouldn’t usually buy, it is still important to be mindful of how much you’re consuming. I have definitely been guilty of this in the past, but more recently I am asking myself a few basic questions before buying an item, such as:
Does this item bring me joy?
Do I love the way it makes me feel and how I look in it?
How many times am I going to wear this item, realistically?
Will it go with the other items in my wardrobe?
“I’ve been exclusively second-hand shopping for a while now and would never go back to fast fashion. Apart from the obvious environmental benefits, there is something so exciting about not knowing what you’re going to stumble across, and it has really helped me to establish my personal style. Taking the time to find specific pieces I’ve been on the lookout for has completely changed my relationship with my wardrobe. I feel more connected to the clothes I wear, remembering where I bought them, who I was with, and the genuine thrill of stumbling across an item on my wish list. Instead of walking into a curated shop and buying into the latest trends displayed, charity shops allow you the opportunity to find clothes that actually bring you joy. And on the topic of trends, I assure you there is nothing on the ASOS New In page that you can’t find a similar item of in a charity shop, trust me!”
Hannah is a social media manager for The Charity Shop Gift Card. In her free time, she creates content for her Instagram account @thethriftedthreds, which is focused on charity shopping and sustainability.
“People should support the Pilgrims Hospices Kilo Salebecause not only does the money raised go towards the vital work that Pilgrims do, but it also encourages shopping preloved and a circular economy. Shopping second-hand is great for the environment, as it reduces waste and the demand for new products. It’s also budget-friendly, offering unique finds at lower prices, and can of course go towards charity fundraising when purchases are made in charity shops.
“My top tips for a kilo sale would be to get there early and to look at every rail at least twice. Sometimes, people might pick something up and hang onto it then put it back on the rail, meaning you may have missed it the first time around; it’s always worth going for a second look. At the first Pilgrims Kilo Sale I went to, I managed to find a dress from Reformation; that’s definitely one of my favourite preloved finds because it was such a bargain!”
Pilgrims Hospices Kilo Sale takes place 10:00-14:00 on Saturday 1 June 2024 at St Peter’s Church Hall, Canterbury CT1 2BE. Entry is free. Cash and card payments will be accepted for all purchases.
You’ll be provided with a bag, then simply fill it up with the items you like, the Pilgrims team will weigh it and you pay £5 per kilo.
All money raised from the sale will help to run Pilgrims Hospices services in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, including supporting people to live well in their own homes.
Please note: There are no changing rooms at the event, and it will not be possible to return any purchased items; we recommend that you bring a tape measure along with you to check sizing.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
14th May 2024
Music and Media sale to rock Canterbury in support of Pilgrims Hospices
Get ready to groove and give back! Pilgrims Hospices is thrilled to announce its upcoming Music and Media Sale on Saturday, May 18th, at St. Peter’s Church Hall, St. Peter’s Street in Canterbury. This one-of-a-kind extravaganza promises an unparalleled collection of 100,000 CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, books, and media-related merchandise, all available at rock-bottom prices starting as low as 50p.
Music enthusiasts and media lovers alike are invited to delve into a treasure trove of sonic delights. With an impressive line-up spanning from the iconic Rolling Stones and Beatles to the timeless tunes of George Michael and the beats of hip-hop masters, there’s something for every musical palate.
Expect massive deals on great artists, many on special three-for-two offers, and every opportunity to pick up an amazing bargain. The Pilgrims team will be on hand with their vast product knowledge to help shoppers and dealers alike find those special items that hit that musical spot.
But it’s not just about the tunes! St. Peter’s Church Hall, St. Peter’s Street, Canterbury, CT1 2BE, will transform into a haven for media enthusiasts, offering an array of T-shirts and memorabilia for fans to cherish. Whether you’re a vinyl collector, DVD aficionado, or searching for the perfect concert tee, the Massive Music and Media Sale has something for everyone.
What sets this event apart is its commitment to eco-friendly practices. Pilgrims Hospices recognises the importance of sustainability and encourages patrons to participate in environmentally conscious purchasing. By choosing to buy from this event, attendees not only add gems to their music collections but also contribute to the noble cause of supporting end-of-life care at Pilgrims Hospices.
Jonathan Gummer, E-commerce Manager at Pilgrims Hospices Retail, expressed his excitement about the event, saying, “We’re thrilled to host this electrifying event that combines the love for music and media with the spirit of giving. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, enjoy great music, find unique treasures, and support a cause that makes a real difference in people’s lives.”
Can’t make the date? Fear not!
Visit the Pilgrims Hospice eBay site, where you’ll find many interesting and collectible items that might just pique your interest.
For more information, please contact: Jonathan Gummer, E-commerce, Pilgrims Hospices Retail at [email protected] or telephone 07972 855 204.
Join us on Saturday, May 18th, for an unforgettable day of music, media, and philanthropy. Let’s rock Canterbury and make a difference in the lives of those in need!
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
11th April 2023
UNFRAMED mural festival and art trail arrives in Ashford
Follow the Ashford UNFRAMED 2023 art trail this April half term, and be amazed by the murals created by national and local artists, who have transformed blank walls in Ashford town centre, into a sea of colour and creativity.
Kate Duddell from Pilgrims’ fundraising team with Chris Dixon from Ashford Borough Council / Mural art by Will Redgrove on Pilgrims’ Ashford General shop
Sue Sharp with artist Will Redgrove
At the UNFRAMED launch, Sue Sharp, Pilgrims Hospices Director of Income Generation and Marketing, met mural artist Will Redgrove, painter of Pilgrims Hospices shop on Castle Street with his interpretation of the work of Pilgrims. The masterpiece depicts three blue tits representing the three Pilgrims Hospices; a ribbon in flight within a field of bluebells, forget-me-nots and sunflowers. A meaningful and peaceful representation of everlasting love, memory and care, which, is at the heart of Pilgrims Hospices’ vision.
Visitors to the festival can download a map, scan a QR code at each site, or pick up a physical map from Coachworks, Low Key Tap Room, Picturehouse or Made in Ashford and wander around the town centre immersing themselves in the street art and learning more about each piece.
The mural festival is running from Saturday 1 April to Sunday 16 April 2023, with arts workshops, street dance and film screenings available to all visitors.
Keep up with all the latest updates as they happen and watch the progress of the artwork being created by following @ashfordunframedon Instagram.
Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
9th March 2023
UNFRAMED, Ashford’s first mural festival is coming to the town centre and a Pilgrims Hospices shop near you!
Pilgrims Hospices are proud to be one of 14 special locations taking part in Ashford’s first mural festival, UNFRAMED!
Ashford will be turned into a vibrant masterpiece as a number of national and local artists take to its streets to transform blank walls into a sea of colour and creativity. All of the murals are in close proximity of each other around the town centre and will be part of the UNFRAMED art trail for local residents and visitors to enjoy.
Curated by street art and mural experts Accent London and The London Mural Company, artists include Mr Doodle, Alex Chinneck, Charley Peters, Will Redgrove, Curtis Hylton, Andy Welland, and many more.
Pilgrims Hospices’ location will be at one of its charity retail stores and its well-loved Castle Street shop will be the canvas. Here, a spectacular and themed artwork will be revealed and has been curated by Will Redgrove in association with the hospice team.
The painting will be one of the last to be curated, just before the art trail formerly opens to the public.
The charity have worked closely with the artist, Will Redgrove, to ensure that the design has hospice meaning and resonates with trail viewers, whilst also showing nature in a vibrant and bold setting.
Pilgrims Hospices representative, Kate Duddell, said: “At its heart, Pilgrims Hospices is dedicated to ensuring people living with an incurable illness can access the quality care and comfort they deserve. Our environment is so important and we wanted to work closely with Will to ensure that this masterpiece has meaning and the elements represent what the hospice is all about, yet in an abstract way.”
Nature is the focus of the Pilgrims mural and it’s nothing new that spending time in the great outdoors and within a natural setting does wonders for our physical health and mental wellbeing. With all these benefits, it’s little wonder why nature is the focus of the Pilgrims artwork. It is a meaningful representation of everlasting love, gratitude, respect, memory and care, which the natural symbols within the artwork represent; all of which are important in Pilgrims’ daily work in caring for the east Kent community at the end of life.
Kate added: “People think that hospices are sad places, but really they are places to help our patients live fully and well in the time that they have. Our welcoming facilities and gardens enable families, carers and patients to have a brighter and inspiring setting for their care. Hospices aren’t places to be fearful of – they’re places that remove fears within natural and safe surroundings.”
Visitors to the festival will be able to download a map, scan a QR code at each site, or pick up a physical map from Coachworks, Low Key Tap Room, Picturehouse or Made in Ashford and wander around the town centre immersing themselves in the street art and learning more about each piece.
The mural festival will run from Saturday 1 April to Sunday 16 April 2023, with arts workshops, street dance and film screenings available to all visitors.
Keep up with all the latest updates as they happen and watch the progress of the artwork being created by following @ashfordunframedon Instagram.
Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
7th March 2023
The positive impact of Pilgrims Hospices shops
Pilgrims Hospices has 31 shops across east Kent where we sell the generous donations we receive, and our shops have many positive impacts.
Firstly, they help to provide the much-needed funds that support the work of the hospices across east Kent. This is, of course, our primary objective, and we are very proud that each year we are able to grow the contribution we make to the hospices. Our shops will have a turnover of over £5m in 2023, which is a huge help to the hospices.
Each year, we sell around 1.3m items through our shops, many of which would end up in landfill if it wasn’t for charity shops. Of course, not everything is fit for sale, so we sell some stock to textile recyclers, who then sort it and sell it on to other countries or recycle it. Each year, we sell over 250 tonnes of ‘rag textiles’, which would otherwise end up in waste streams.
The shops also form part of their local communities and are a welcoming place for people to volunteer. Volunteering is cited as having a really positive impact on mental health, as it makes people feel good about what they are doing, provides company and conversation, and offers the chance to learn new skills.
Pilgrims’ Kilo Sale event, May 2022
As people move away from fast fashion due to the negative environmental impact it has, sustainable fashion is becoming increasingly popular. Charity shops have always been advocates of sustainable fashion, and people are now more comfortable buying pre-loved fashion than ever before; 54% of people in the UK are happy to purchase pre-loved or vintage clothing. As the demand for sustainable fashion grows, we are going to need even more stock in our shops!
A recent survey by the organisation WRAP* found that almost half of us buy new clothing at least once per month, and around half of the new garments bought are either never worn or only worn once or twice. This is a shocking statistic, but one that is of particular interest to Pilgrims Retail. The report goes on to say that, on average, each UK adult has 118 items of clothing in their wardrobe, and that 26% of those items have not been worn for over a year, and are likely never to be worn again.
Just imagine how useful those unworn, unloved items of clothing would be to our shops! We could turn them into funds for our hospices.
How about having a declutter for Pilgrims? Our shops would welcome your donations. We especially need items of clothing, small electricals (that are working), toys, household items (ornaments, kitchen goods, dinnerware etc.) and furniture.
*WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) is a climate action NGO working around the globe to tackle the causes of the climate crisis and give the planet a sustainable future.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress. Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
