Cancer Research volunteers hit £1m milestone

A Cancer Research shop on the Southside of Glasgow has broken the £1 million fundraising barrier, thanks to its team of dedicated volunteers.

The shop, at 420/424 Victoria Road, has always been popular with local people wanting to pick up a bargain. But when the Cancer Research UK banner flew over the door seven years ago, things really began to move.

‘We’re more like a mini department store than a shop,’ said Manager Carol Grant, who has been there five years. ‘Everything sells here and we have an excellent team.’

The store’s remarkable performance was arrived at by tallying up every week’s takings over the past seven years.

‘We’ve increased takings by £100,000 a year over five years. We’ve improved footfall with good window displays. Even people going past on the bus have called and asked us to put things aside,’ Carol added.

Critically, the shop has seen its volunteer numbers rise from three to 37.

‘This would not have been possible without the support of the local community,’ said Carol. ‘The stars of the show are the team of volunteers who have worked so hard to make the shop a success.’

While Cancer Research UK’s 4500-strong team of scientists, doctors and nurses continue their work, Carol and her team will be allowing themselves a celebration of their milestone at a local restaurant. Then, it’s back to business. The charity’s volunteers recently staged a weekend bucket collection at a Morrison’s store in Cambuslang, bringing  in £1,650 in 12 hours.