Lou Myers, a 59-year-old shop manager, says the opportunity to create meaningful change motivated her decision to join East Anglia's Children's Hospices. Since October 2023, she has been leading the team at the charity's Cherry Hinton Road shop in Cambridge, describing herself as feeling 'blessed' to encounter new customers daily.
From Corporate Retail to Charitable Work
Myers previously dedicated two decades to Argos, where she served as a store manager until redundancy in March 2020. She later worked as a team supervisor at Wilko before departing in September 2023, which cleared the path for her role with EACH. "I'd shopped in EACH stores before starting here and always liked the feel of them," said Myers, who has a daughter and four grandchildren. "Having spent such a long time in retail, I loved the idea of working in a shop and being able to make a difference to the children and families EACH supports."
A Supportive Environment and Customer Connections
"That's what led to me working here, and I've felt supported from day one," she explained. "Everyone's so friendly and welcoming, and I love working for EACH. I'm a real people person and feel blessed to meet new customers every day. It means a lot and gives me a great deal of pleasure." Myers emphasizes that she enjoys dedicating time to customers and values the relationships fostered through the shop. "The fact people feel comfortable coming in, having conversations and spending their time and money with us is amazing and a great feeling," she added.
Call for Volunteers and Financial Needs
She also commended her team of volunteers and expressed eagerness to hear from anyone interested in joining them. To learn more, individuals can visit the shop, email Lou.Myers@each.org.uk, or call 01223 941144. EACH operates 54 shops across the region, including 11 in Cambridgeshire. In Cambridge, stores are located on Histon Road, Fitzroy Street, and Milton Road, with additional outlets in Cherry Hinton, Ely, Huntingdon, March, Soham, St Ives, and Whittlesey.
This year alone, EACH must raise £8 million through donations and fundraising activities, along with £9.8 million via retail income. Only 15% of its funding originates from the Government, county councils, and the NHS, making community support and shop revenue crucial to its operations. The charity's reliance on public contributions highlights the importance of local engagement and volunteer efforts in sustaining its vital services for children and families.
