June UpdateJune Update
We hope you're well and enjoying the warmer weather.
Volunteers' Week is here, and this edition is all about you, our incredible volunteers, and the difference you're making by giving your time.
To celebrate you, we've got some exciting activity lined up: a special video message, some inspirational stories from members of our volunteer community, and open days happening in all our stores across the UK!
We're also sharing everything you need to know about the return of the Bowelbabe Fund cash campaign.
Keep reading for all the lovely details and from all of us, a huge thank you for your support!
Julie Byard, Director of Trading
Cancer Research UK
Celebrating Volunteers' Week!
2 – 8 June is Volunteers’ Week, an annual UK-wide campaign that shines a spotlight on the power and impact of volunteering. This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a huge thank you for everything you do to support Cancer Research UK.
Our volunteer community is made up of more than 25,000 people, who collectively donate millions of hours each year to help us beat cancer.
As shop volunteers, you’re at the heart of our shop teams and we’re hugely grateful for your support. Whether you’re styling windows with pre-loved fashion, sorting donations with an eagle eye for hidden treasures or greeting customers with a smile, you keep our shops running smoothly.
Simply put, we couldn’t make the progress we do without you.
Happy Volunteers’ Week, from all of us at Cancer Research UK
“Every hour you give makes a difference for people affected by cancer.''
To mark the week, Michelle Mitchell, our Chief Executive, was joined by team members from Cancer Research UK to record a special video message, celebrating the impact that volunteers have right across the charity – including a message from Jo Mewett, Head of Retail Operations.
Steph's story
“I'm helping, but volunteering is also helping me.”
To celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we’re shining a spotlight on Steph (pictured on the left), a volunteer at our Catterick Garrison superstore. Steph was inspired to start volunteering after she retired three years ago, and now relishes the sense of community she’s found in the shop team and the structure that volunteering gives her during retirement.
''It's all about the company, mixing with people, and having that focus.''
Explore more volunteer stories and find out how else we’re celebrating Volunteers’ Week here.
Our Volunteers’ Week open days
During Volunteers’ Week this year, all our stores across the UK are running open days, designed to promote shop volunteering and celebrate the vital role our volunteers play. From running fun activities to designing innovative displays to celebrate their volunteer teams, shops will be getting creative to shine a spotlight on volunteering and encourage more brilliant people to get involved and give it a go.
We hope you enjoy your shop’s open day, and look out for pictures in our shop volunteer news poster to see how other shops across the country are getting stuck in!
Get involved with our Bowelbabe Fund campaign
From Monday 2 – Saturday 28 June, the Bowelbabe Fund cash campaign is back! The Fund honours Dame Deborah James’ legacy by supporting cutting-edge research, spreading the word about signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and breaking down stigmas and taboos about poo.
This year, shop teams right across the UK are coming together in the hopes of raising £450,000. You can support the campaign quickly and easily by asking for Round Up or a cash donation at the till. It really makes a huge difference!
Want to do more? Ask your shop manager how you can get involved.
Your hard work helps to raise funds to continue Deborah’s legacy, aiming to give more people affected by cancer more time with the people they love so a huge thank you from us!
We're here to support you
Cancer Chat
A moderated discussion forum where you can talk to others affected by cancer, share experiences and get support.
The Retail Trust
As one of our shop volunteers you have access to tailored, free and confidential health and wellbeing support.
Volunteer Hub
Find useful information and resources for volunteers and stay up to date with the latest news and updates
If you received a link to this information by text message it is because you volunteer in one of our shops. If you’re no longer volunteering with us, please email us at volunteering@cancer.org.uk.