SHOP managers from Cancer Research UK in Balham and Streatham have launched an urgent recruitment appeal after a drop in local volunteers.

Whilst stock donations increased immediately after lockdown, the number of volunteers returning plummeted by nearly half in some shops.

Now, the charity is making a nationwide call to retrieve the millions of pounds in lost income so life-saving research can get back on track.

Last year, Cancer Research UK shops in England raised more than £75 million. However, with shop closures and event cancellations due to the pandemic, the charity is expecting to lose £160 million of income across the UK.

Karolina and Chiara, Managers at the Balham and Streatham Cancer Research UK shop, said:

“We’re very lucky to have a great team in South West London but sadly not all our volunteers have been able to return, largely due to health reasons. After the first lockdown eased, many shops were operating with only half the usual number of volunteers.

“The situation has improved a little since then but we’re still 30 per cent down on volunteer numbers. That’s why we’re appealing to anyone who can to give the gift of their time this winter. Our shop volunteers are like family to us so it was heart-breaking to close our doors and stay at home during lockdown. I can’t stress enough how vital these volunteers are. Without their help, we simply would not be able to fund our outstanding doctors, nurses and scientists.”

Cancer Research UK currently funds around 50 per cent of all cancer research in the UK.

However, as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, the charity expects to see its fundraising income decline by up to 30 per cent in the financial year ahead – putting research at risk.

Josephine Mewett, head of retail operations at Cancer Research UK, said:

“The fight is on to continue our research to save lives and our amazing army of volunteers are right at the heart of our efforts. COVID-19 has slowed us down, but we will never stop. But the truth is that COVID-19 has hit us hard. With around 34,100 people diagnosed with cancer every year in Greater London we are determined to get back on track and our volunteers have been critical to that effort.

“However, many have not been able to return. So we now need almost 3,500 extra volunteers across the UK to come forward. We take their safety extremely seriously and we have strict COVID procedures in place to enable our shops to operate safely. That includes keeping anyone at risk at home, even if it means fewer volunteers in our stores.”

Jobs people can help with in stores include sorting donated stock, steaming and labelling clothing to serving at the till.

Karolina and Chiara added:

“No experience is necessary to apply, just motivation and the desire to be part of a team. “Many volunteers come in just one morning or afternoon a week, or sometimes just help over the busy lunchtime period. A few hours can make a huge difference and it can be a great way of adding to your CV. No matter how much time a person can give or what their experience, we are urging people to get in touch.

“Our feedback shows that volunteers tend to smile more, feel less stressed and more useful and generally more positive about having found a new purpose in life.

To sign up or to find out more about volunteering, visit cancerresearchuk.org/shopvol