An Ayrshire shop which helps save lives at sea is looking for new volunteers — after being hit hard by the pandemic.
The RNLI is searching for new members to their dedicated crew in Troon — who can give a little of their time to make a difference.
A current dedicated volunteer are hoping extra support can allow the shop to open extra days.
Selfless David Matthews, 18, has been a team member at the shop since 2018.
Now he is calling for extra support with the Ayr Street shop closed three days a week due to the lack of volunteers.
David said: “We do need more people to help. We would be able to raise more because we could open longer and more often as well.
“Currently the shop is closed three days a week, and half a day on a Saturday because we don’t have enough volunteers.”
David says he fits his time in the shop at the weekends after he’s done his school work and paper round through the week.
After initially joining as part of his Duke of Edinburgh bronze award David was inspired to continue to help his local lifeboat.
David Matthews, 18, who has been a shop volunteer at RNLI Shop Troon since 2018 said: “There are many different skills that can be picked up from volunteering, and can be used later on in life as well.”
RNLI shops first started out as simple cake stalls run by volunteers to raise money for their local lifeboat station in the 1920s.
Today there are around 170 RNLI shops around the coast and inland, all of which are still run by dedicated volunteers.
Lynsey Anderson, RNLI community manager said: “The pandemic unfortunately hit our shops hard as they closed for periods of time in line with Covid-19 restrictions.
"We were delighted when we could reopen them safely in accordance with government guidance and are looking forward to welcoming our visitors in 2022.
“To do this successfully, we want to grow our team of shop volunteers and are looking for people who enjoy interacting with others, can help us to provide a high level of customer service and ensure our shops continue to be friendly and welcoming places.”
To find out more about how you can help generate vital funds, promote the work of the RNLI, and apply, go to Shop Volunteers-Troon (rnli.org)
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