MY TIME WITH KAR – BEV – SHOP VOLUNTEER

KAR ? – what IS KAR we often hear ? It is, as many people know, Kyrenia Animal Rescue.
But what do the “people” in KAR do and why ?
Over the coming weeks we will be bringing you an insight into what some of our volunteers “do” during their “Time with KAR”. Hopefully this will help people understand the multi faceted aspects of KAR and the many people involved in helping KAR – for the overall good of the animals.
My “Time with KAR” – Bev
” I wish I could remember the very first time I went into a charity shop. Did I buy anything, where was it and did anyone see me go in ???? And if I had been spotted then maybe I was ‘just looking for a friend’.
How bizarre that now you can’t keep me out of them !
Having said that I probably never gave it a thought about what went on behind the scenes or the volunteers who greeted you from behind a large counter as you asked them if you could try something on ?. Did I even realise that all the clothes hanging on their rails had arrived at their shop stuffed into black bin bags or boxes and someone you never saw in a back room was tasked with opening and sorting all the donations. Even when I may have left a bag or two outside a closed shop I would never have thought about what would happen to them and the time and effort it would take for them to be sorted.
It actually can be quite exciting as you open a bag wondering what it may contain but I can assure you no one is judged and EVERY bag,box and suitcase is gratefully received no matter how small. We are not trained sellers but will do our very best to find you a bargain and may even find and buy some ourselves.
Having to close our shops during the lockdowns was very hard but on the positive side we hoped being at home gave everyone the chance to clear out their wardrobes at least once…….. I did, but must confess I re-sorted my intended donations and hung most of the clothes back in my wardrobe because of course ‘ I will wear them again one day ‘ !!!!
Over the years I have served many customers who have bought back their own clothes so I’m not the only one who keeps things for sentimental reasons.
Our loyal customers have stayed with us supporting our rescued animals and continue to buy from our 3 shops and I can assure you that even behind your masks we know who you are so THANK YOU 🙂