We are really pleased to have had the chance to chat with volunteers Maya and Sezin about their experience volunteering at Sparks.

Maya: I am at Cardiff University studying human and social sciences, but I am really interested in sustainability. I have been volunteer for a month, since the pop-up shop opened  doing one full day  a week. I like talking to customers, telling them about Avon Wildlife Trust and talking about the importance of shopping sustainably.  I also really enjoy sorting out stock. 

I enjoy volunteering because I am making a difference by sharing my passion about the environment and educating people about shopping more sustainably. 

I would encourage other people to volunteer because, it’s really good experience, I love the interactions and sharing my skills.  It’s also just really rewarding to be part something you believe in. 

Sezin: I am a second year student at Bristol Uni studying marketing, and I’m also really interested in fashion  

I also started at the pop-up shop started a month ago and I volunteer two days a week a full day and a half day. I like organising the shop and putting the things I think will sell well on display, making outfit combinations is fun.  I am interesting in fashion and getting experience in customer services.  I also feel I am really improving my visual marketing skills by dressing the shop, working out the best ways to display items. 

I would encourage people to volunteer because it’s a really fun experience and if you want to improve your skill or interested in sustainability this is a really good project. 

Keily Elvin, Head of Commercial Development at Avon Wildlife Trust:

"We're so proud of how we've been able to create this pop-up shop entirely second-hand, from the pre-loved fashion items we're selling to the rails and mannequins they're displayed on.

"This is such an exciting opportunity for us and we're thrilled with how our opening weekend went! I'm looking forward to continuing to welcome in people who want to make sustainable clothing choices while supporting their local wildlife.

"We're always looking for more donations of pre-loved fashion items. If you've got anything you've been looking to pass on, you can drop them off at our collection point at Grow Wilder!"