Emmaus Colchester celebrated National Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) by hosting a barbeque to thank local volunteers and trustees for their contribution to our community.
The gathering, which was held at the Emmaus Colchester community building on Magdalen Street, brought together volunteers and trustees from the local area, who have all contributed their times and skills to a variety of tasks including charity governance, shop work, maintenance, upcycling, event support and office work.
Also in attendance at the celebration were people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion, and who are now being supported by Emmaus Colchester as companions with a home for as long as needed and the opportunity to learn workplace skills in the charity’s two Emmaus shops on the High Street, an Emmaus Works shop on Osborne Street and a warehouse at Arthur Street.
“I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all our volunteers, who give us their time to help and support us. Their dedication and enthusiasm is what makes Emmaus Colchester thrive and will see us succeed now and into the future,” said Denise King, General Manager at Emmaus Colchester.
Emmaus Colchester provides a home and meaningful work for up to 31 companions who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion, offering them an alternative route out of homelessness within a supportive environment. The local charity is celebrating it’s tenth anniversary in August 2018 and will be opening a new second-hand shop and café on Crouch Street this summer to mark the occasion.