Retail Volunteer Awards 2026

In addition to regularly opening up the shop and running a successful literature section, Aoife has created a truly supportive and inclusive environment for everyone around her.

Through dedication, care and understanding, Aoife has built a space where volunteers and customers feel welcomed, supported and valued. She shares her expertise freely, supports others with patience and kindness, and leads by example every shift. Her compassion and commitment have made a huge difference.

Michael has grown in confidence and become a vital part of the team. He plays an important role in welcoming new volunteers and helping them settle in from the very start.

Michael's positive approach with both customers and colleagues makes a real impact, and his willingness to contribute ideas helps the shop continue to improve. He is a valued and much-appreciated member of the team.

Congratulations, Aoife and Michael!

Through her energy, kindness and dedication, Margaret not only raises vital funds for Oxfam but creates a welcoming and supportive community around her wherever she volunteers.

Margaret demonstrates empowerment through action, dedication and care for others. She supports shops, festivals and events and encourages people to get involved.

Margaret shares knowledge, develops new skills and goes above and beyond to support Oxfam volunteers. Her commitment and creativity continue to make a meaningful impact.

Congratulations, Margaret!

Angela brings energy, creativity and encouragement to everything she does. Angela creates wonderful window displays for Valentine's Day, Second Hand September and Christmas. She supports fellow volunteers, using her ideas to inspire and involve others.

Angela contributes her time generously and helps create opportunities for everyone to take part and feel included. Her enthusiasm and collaborative spirit have made her an essential part of the team.

Congratulations, Angela!

This award recognises Sue for her commitment and leadership and for making an extraordinary difference. In the absence of a shop manager, Sue has taken on responsibility for managing volunteers, supporting and motivating the team and keeping the shop running successfully during a challenging period.

Sue approaches every task with patience, humour, positivity and a focus on shared success, and her initiative has helped drive significant growth in book sales. She has worked so hard and truly deserves this award.

Congratulations, Sue!

About Louis

Louis started volunteering as part of his Duke of Edinburgh scheme, quickly and easily earning his Bronze award, and has continued his shifts. From adjusting his schedule to continue volunteering to excelling in every task he takes on, Louis consistently goes above and beyond.

Louis has made a real impact in his store, from achieving top sales results to stepping in wherever help is needed. Always organised, supportive and ready to do more, he makes a difference every single shift.

About Alex

We would like to recognise Alex for bringing great energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to his shop and for playing an active and innovative role in visual merchandising. Alex developed a concept for Pride Month that led to his shop winning an award for its window display.

Alex also took full ownership of the shop’s social media presence, planning and producing engaging content. Alex encourages other volunteers to grow and ensures everyone feels included, valued, and welcome.

Congratulations, Louis and Alex!

Lily is a wonderful young volunteer and has transformed a small part of her store into something truly special.

Through creativity, initiative and dedication, she has grown the children’s books section at the superstore into a thriving and much-loved space.

Her work has improved the customer experience and supported increased sales and donations. Lily shares her knowledge generously and brings others into the team, helping them feel welcome and confident.

Congratulations, Lily!

This award recognises a fantastic transformational impact! Jo has been the key driving force in growing the volunteer team through her links with the local asylum seeker and refugee support group in Stratford.

Jo has encouraged resettled refugees to volunteer, and she has forged links with the asylum seeker hotel. Through her, the team has grown significantly.

The volunteers in the team now are from all over the world and have faced huge hardships. Jo is passionate about helping people to rebuild their lives and enabling them to gain experience. Her work has supported individuals to gain confidence, skills and a sense of belonging, while helping the shop thrive.

Congratulations, Jo!

This award celebrates creativity and collaboration, and the Batley Jewellery team is a great example of this.

• Georgia has led the team with vision and organisation, creating a welcoming and inclusive workspace while growing the jewellery offer and increasing sales.
• Nuzhat has contributed her fantastic upcycling and sewing skills, transforming materials into popular scrunchies and giving new life to clothing.
• Vicky has brought creativity and insight, designing upcycled jewellery and friendship bracelets that truly resonate with festival audiences, even selling out at major events.
• Zainab, the newest member of the team, has introduced fresh ideas and creative solutions, while also supporting online sales with enthusiasm and care.

Together, they have built a supportive and innovative team that delivers real impact.

Congratulations Georgia, Nuzhat, Vicky and Zainab!

Our Leamington Spa Bookshop team has shown exceptional resilience, teamwork and positivity over what has been an incredibly challenging year.

From adapting to new till systems and back-room procedures, to managing a complex relocation, they have demonstrated real commitment and professionalism at every step.

Their move last August into a brand-new shop (the first bookshop in the country to feature Oxfam's new 'Revive' look) was no small feat, particularly moving boxes of books during the height of summer. Despite the pressures, the team remained focused, successfully keeping the shop trading until the very last moment and reopening in the new location with just four days of lost trade.

Even in the face of significant challenges, the team never lost sight of what matters. Their hard work has paid off, with the new shop thriving. Six months on, they have settled in brilliantly, continuing to deliver a fantastic shop for the community.

Congratulations to the whole team, Oxfam couldn’t be prouder of what you have achieved!