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Charity Shop Volunteering Program in Ireland
Charity Shop Volunteering Program in Ireland

Clonmel, Ireland

Charity Shop Volunteering Program in Ireland

Trip Highlights

  • Opportunity to work with one of the most popular charitable organizations in Ireland.
  • Deal with various kinds of work in the charity shop and improve your skills while working with a team of enthusiasts.
  • A chance to work alongside the experienced Irish staff and meet other volunteers from different parts of the world.
  • Incredible opportunity to immerse in the culture & lifestyle of the Ireland.

Overview

Overview

Volunteering Solutions, in association with one of the biggest voluntary charitable organization in Ireland, has curated this amazing opportunity where you can work at a charity shop located in Clonmel, the largest town in the County of Tipperary. The project has two locations in the town: a charity shop based on the main street and a sorting office where donations are sorted. Nearby the sorting office, there is also a furniture store, a bookshop, and a bric-a-brac, all run by the charity.

The income from the charity shop is the main source of revenue for a charity that visits and provides friendship and financial support to people living in poverty in the region. The work of this charity ensures that everyone can live with dignity. The charity depends on the time contributed by dedicated local volunteers.

Not only will this be an incredible opportunity for you to learn while working with a team of volunteers and local Irish staff, but it'll also provide you with immensely meaningful work exposure, that will enhance your career in the days ahead.

This project is located in Clonmel, County Tipperary. Clonmel town is a busy town that provides shopping and various services for people of the surrounding rural area. It is located 2 ½ hours from the capital city Dublin and 1 ½ hour from Cork city. Clonmel is well served by bus and train services. The town is nestled in the Comeragh Mountains with the Knockmealdown Mountains to the South and legendary Slievenamon to the East. Hillwalking and cycling are popular local activities. 

 


Program Requirements

Program Requirements

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project and must be fluent in English English. Volunteers must be mature, flexible and have an adaptive personality. Volunteers should be keen to take up responsibilities and act quickly as and when required. Any skills or experience with retail sales, particularly clothes or furniture is an advantage. Volunteers with an interest in DIY or an eye for interior design and decoration would be highly valued. All volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report prior to joining the program. Additional documents such as CV/Resume and Statement of motivation shall also be required.


Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Being a volunteer for this project, your main tasks would involve managing the charity shop, moving furniture or sorting books or bags of donated clothes.
Working in the shop front requires volunteers to be presentable to the public.
Book sales are sometimes organized outside in summer in the centre of the town or at local events and festivals.

Apart from that, you’ll have other miscellaneous work at the shop like:

  • Providing sales assistance to customers
  • Ensure goods are well displayed
  • Keep the shop clean and tidy

You can also volunteer and help in doing certain office work like:

  • Sorting donations into recycling and shop stock
  • Repairing donations
  • Steam cleaning shop stock clothing
  • Moving, cleaning and restoring furniture
  • Painting walls
  • Sorting and displaying books for sale
  • Sorting and displaying furniture

Volunteer Work Schedule

Volunteer Work Schedule

As a volunteer, you’ll be usually working from Mondays to Fridays - from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can make good use of the weekends to head out and explore the city.

 


Living

Living

Airport Transfers

Participants are picked up by a driver who will be waiting with a sign displaying the participants’ name. Participants are transferred to a hostel accommodation located in Cork city center.

Volunteers who arrive at a different airport (Dublin, Shannon, Kerry, Waterford) need to make their own way to Cork. It is very easy to join Cork city from Dublin airport as there are buses from just outside the arrival terminal in Dublin that go directly to Cork city center (aircoach.ie). Participants are picked up from their point of entry in Cork (bus station or train station).

Orientation

On the morning of the second day, participants are met by the coordinating staff at the hostel reception and will walk to the Cork Volunteer Centre where the orientation workshop takes place.

The orientation workshop lasts approximately 3.5h and includes the following topics:

  • Sharing and discussing fears and expectations
  • Exploring motivations
  • Skills and attitudes to make the programme a success
  • Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders(sender/host/volunteer)
  • Lines of communication
  • Potential challenges
  • Introduction to Irish culture
  • Cultural adaptation, culture shock and inter-cultural
  • competences
  • Cultural adaptation in the Irish context
  • Practical tips for a successful voluntary service
  • Health issues
  • Safety and security, risk mitigation
  • Overview of what to do during free time

After the orientation workshop and their lunch, participants take part in a 2h walking tour of Cork City. During the tour, they are provided with practical advice, cultural and historical information.
At the end of the tour, participants are brought to the bus or train station and go to their project location. In some cases, depending on the location and availability of project mentor, the transfer could be done the following morning.

Accommodation & Meals

On arrival in Cork, volunteers are provided accommodation at a hostel in the city center. While on the project, volunteers will live in local host family accommodation allowing you to get a real sense of life in an Irish family and community. Meals will be provided along with a packed lunch as needed. Host families are based within walking distance of the project or near a public transport that allows the volunteer to reach the project easily. 

The host family provides breakfast (cereals or toasts, hot drink etc.), pack lunch (sandwiches, fruit etc.) and hot dinner in the evening (e.g. pasta, sausages, potatoes, pizza etc.). It is possible to cater for vegetarians (this information is subject to change, please check with us).

Explore During Free Time

Volunteers will have the weekends to explore. There is always something happening in Clonmel, with frequent theatre, concerts, live music, art exhibitions, and festivals.

During your free time, volunteers can discover the countryside around Clonmel, Tipperary region. They can visit famous attractions such as the Rock of Cashel Castle and Cahir Castle located in nearby towns. They can also discover cities such as Kilkenny, Cork or Dublin.


Dates

Dates

2024

January

08

29

February

19

March

11

April

08

29

May

20

June

10

July

01

15

29

August
September

09

October

07

November

04

December

Past Date

Available

Unavailable

Filling Fast


Costs

Costs

3 Weeks $1610
4 Weeks $1890
5 Weeks $2165
6 Weeks $2440
7 Weeks $2715
8 Weeks $2990
Extra Week $295

Please Note: -An application fee of $229 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. (A 5% international banking fee is charged at the time of payment)

What are you Paying for?

  • Pre-departure Information guide and support
  • Pickup in Cork
  • First night in hostel in Cork City
  • Transfer to Project
  • All Meals except lunch on arrival day
  • Accommodation in Host Family or at Project
  • Orientation with local staff
  • Ongoing support from project mentor
  • Local staff support and coordination
  • Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)

What's NOT included?

  • Flights
  • Lunch on arrival day
  • Return airport transfer (local team can assist with this)
  • Visa Fee
  • Vaccinations
  • Medical & Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses

Reviews

Reviews

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Frequently asked questions

FAQ's Application and Program Details

Flights and Visa

Connect with Past Volunteers

Health and Safety

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