PPC DOES HER BIT!

One of the country's largest children's charities is asking the public to spare some time and get involved in the running of their high street charity shops.

Barnardos CSV Get Involved Day 2008 has been launched to highlight the important role these shops play in fund raising efforts to support vulnerable children across the country.

Local Liberal Democrat PPC for Truro and Falmouth, Terrye Teverson, worked in the Falmouth Barnardos shop in Market Strand last weekend, and saw for herself how popular and crucial such stores have become.

"Barnardos provides the vital support and care that many children just wouldn't be able to access without these kind of fundraising initiatives." Terrye said.

"A third of all children in this country live in poverty. That's a staggering 3.9 million children. These shops provide a real link to the community and raise millions of pounds every year."

Barnardos shop assistant, Jess Peterson from Falmouth, was on hand to show Terrye how the shop operates.

"The shop was packed nearly all the time I was serving behind the counter. It was interesting to see that people who donate bags of goods are asked to sign a gift aid form and the goods then become exempt from tax when they are sold. This project has resulted in an extra income of one million pounds in the past year. There is going to be a drive to get everyone to sign up when they donate over the next few months." Terrye explained.

Jess Peterson, who works regularly in the Falmouth store said, "We have a lot of students that come in here. It is a cheap way for them to get clothes and we find that anything with a surf brand goes really quickly. At this time of the year people are looking out for boots for the winter."

Barnardos are looking for people from all walks of life to help in their stores. Many volunteers work behind the scenes sorting donations or helping with the day-to-day running of the shop, as well as working on the shop floor.

"Whatever your skill level there is a position for you to help this charity which does so much to protect millions of vulnerable children every year." Terrye added.

If you think you could space a few hours a week please contact Falmouth Barnardos in Market Strand, or any of their shops nearest to you.