I love volunteering

Rita Hasler volunteers at Leigh-on-Sea in Essex and is celebrating a remarkable 30 years at the Shop. Rita loves volunteering and in our new regular feature on volunteers enjoying their role we asked her a few questions as she reaches such a wonderful milestone.

What is your current role?

I’ve been volunteering with PDSA for 30 years and look after the till area all day now on  a Thursday. I used to do various shifts in the stockroom, lots of steaming among other things. I’ve always enjoyed all the tasks I’m asked to do.

What do you enjoy most?

Mostly I enjoy the great company and friendship and the fact that I’m helping the cause. Originally, I came into the shop to offer the occasional help but this turned out to be a regular commitment and 30 years later I’m still here.

What did you do previously and  how did you get into volunteering?

I came to volunteer at PDSA after my husband passed away but also used to volunteer at Southend Hospital on the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) trolley. I also used to deliver books to the housebound on a voluntary basis.

What’s been your proudest  moment so far?

My proudest moment is obviously getting to the 30-year mark but I feel proud every week that I come in and of the valuable help that I’m able to give. We also achieved 5th highest profit shop nationally in 2006 and 2007, which I was also really proud to be part of, and shortlisted for Volunteer Team of the Year in 2014.

What are the benefits of being  a volunteer?

The benefits of volunteering are obviously the company and friendship but I enjoy meeting so many different people. I know so many regulars and many come in especially to see me on a Thursday.

How has volunteering changed  since you started?

When I first started at PDSA it was totally different to as it is now. Almost everything was one price and there were no proper fittings. We used to hang items on a gas pipe. The charity’s now run more along business lines which it wasn’t all that time ago.

The team at Leigh-on-Sea got together for a special party in Rita’s honour. And her manager Tracy Bennett paid this tribute to Rita too, ‘Rita’s such a lovely person she would do anything for anyone. I’m very lucky to still have her giving her valuable time. I hope she’s here for many years to come.’

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Rita Hasler volunteers at Leigh-on-Sea in Essex and is celebrating a remarkable 30 years at the Shop. Rita loves volunteering and in our new regular feature on volunteers enjoying their role we asked her a few questions as she reaches such a wonderful milestone.

What is your current role?

I’ve been volunteering with PDSA for 30 years and look after the till area all day now on  a Thursday. I used to do various shifts in the stockroom, lots of steaming among other things. I’ve always enjoyed all the tasks I’m asked to do.

What do you enjoy most?

Mostly I enjoy the great company and friendship and the fact that I’m helping the cause. Originally, I came into the shop to offer the occasional help but this turned out to be a regular commitment and 30 years later I’m still here.

What did you do previously and  how did you get into volunteering?

I came to volunteer at PDSA after my husband passed away but also used to volunteer at Southend Hospital on the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) trolley. I also used to deliver books to the housebound on a voluntary basis.

What’s been your proudest  moment so far?

My proudest moment is obviously getting to the 30-year mark but I feel proud every week that I come in and of the valuable help that I’m able to give. We also achieved 5th highest profit shop nationally in 2006 and 2007, which I was also really proud to be part of, and shortlisted for Volunteer Team of the Year in 2014.

What are the benefits of being  a volunteer?

The benefits of volunteering are obviously the company and friendship but I enjoy meeting so many different people. I know so many regulars and many come in especially to see me on a Thursday.

How has volunteering changed  since you started?

When I first started at PDSA it was totally different to as it is now. Almost everything was one price and there were no proper fittings. We used to hang items on a gas pipe. The charity’s now run more along business lines which it wasn’t all that time ago.

The team at Leigh-on-Sea got together for a special party in Rita’s honour. And her manager Tracy Bennett paid this tribute to Rita too, ‘Rita’s such a lovely person she would do anything for anyone. I’m very lucky to still have her giving her valuable time. I hope she’s here for many years to come.’