PCS Ofgem go volunteering with Refuweegee
Cheral blogs about how PCS members from Ofgem spent two days volunteering with a local refugee charity in Glasgow, which is doing great work to welcome displaced people to the city.
On 4 June and 27 August, groups of PCS Ofgem members had the sincere pleasure of using our paid corporate volunteering days to work with Refuweegee, who work to help those displaced to Glasgow and welcome them to the community.
We kicked off the day at 10am at the Refuweegee “free shop”, where users can book in slots to visit the shop in advance, and once they’re in the shop they have 45 mins to rummage through and they’re free to leave with whatever they can carry!
The shop area itself isn’t unlike a charity shop, with areas for fantastically organised adult and kids’ clothing, toys and houseware, and fresh food too. There’s also an area where people can be provided with toiletries, milk formula and nappies and if they wore specific lanyards we would provide those items. One of the crucial lanyard items was a hotel pack which is a food package that contains products that can be cooked using only boiling water from a kettle. Many people living in hotel rooms have no cooking facilities so these are really important to them.
Additionally, there are back rooms for a staff break area, and rooms packed with shelves and crates where some of us organised donations based on size and function. PCS Ofgem joined workers from other employers, on their own corporate volunteering days, and locals who volunteer regularly. It was great to make connections in our community.
Volunteering at the free shop was a really positive experience. We were delighted to see visitors leave with many bags full of items to help make their new residence feel homely.
One thing that I will take away with me is that I might stress over unimportant things more than necessary, but to have a home and loved ones around me is such a privilege, and I'm grateful for the experience to deepen my appreciation of this! As a trade unionist being able to show such practical solidarity for the day was especially heartening. As important as it is to complete e-actions, or pass motions, a hands-on day helping to make a difference is tough to beat!
Would you like to help?
From corporate charity days to individuals looking to get involved, Refuweegee have something for everyone. Please get in touch with them at volunteering@refuweegee.co.uk if you have any questions or to put a date in the diary! Please also follow @Refuweegee on Instagram for updates on particularly pressing donations they’re after.