Bridget named charity shop manager of year
Bridget Walsh, Manager of Oxfam Navan, was named 'Shop Manager of the Year' by the Irish Charity Shop Association (ICSA) for her exceptional leadership and commitment to Oxfam, the shop she manages and to her donors, customers, staff and volunteers.
The ICSA Awards show case how charity shops and the people who work and volunteer in them contribute to community life in Ireland. The award category was judged by Keelan Bourke of Retail Excellence, and was supported by 22 nominations from Bridget’s volunteers, CE/TUS workers and Oxfam's District Retail Manager, Mark Sweeney.
Mark Sweeney said: "Bridget is one of the best examples of what a charity shop manager is, she works for the charity and for her volunteers. In the years I have worked with Bridget I have come to learn that she is not just a shop manager to her volunteers, she is family, she is a friend, she is a support. The volunteers in our Navan shop are not just there because it is Oxfam, they are there because of Bridget.
“She is a one of a kind manager who has shaped the lives of many volunteers, most of whom will return long after they have volunteered to pop in and say hello and thank you to Oxfam’s busy bee.”
Bridget Walsh, Oxfam Navan Shop Manager said: “I was delighted to receive the award as this year I am celebrating 20 years with Oxfam, so it was extra special to receive this recognition.”
Mr Sweeney concluded: “Our shops play a significant part in raising vital funds for Oxfam’s work around the world and they are run by wonderful dedicated crews of volunteers. The shops are hives of activity with lots of chats and opportunities to meet new people, learn new skills and of course, have plenty of fun along the way.”
There are almost 1,200 shop volunteers at the heart of Oxfam’s community who are a part of a powerful movement of people united by one goal – to beat poverty for good. With over 45 shops, Oxfam need people from all walks of life to volunteer for all kinds of roles. People can give as little or as much time as they like. Just pop into your local Oxfam shop and have a chat with the shop manager.