Vision Foundation wouldn’t be able to achieve everything it does without the wonderful and generous volunteers who give their time to support London’s visually impaired community. From working in our shops and donation centres, our head office and cheering along marathon runners to dedicating time as a trustee we want to say a huge thank you to each and every one of them.
This Volunteers Week we are celebrating our volunteers and saying a big thank you.
Brinda joined us as a volunteer in 2020, helping list items on eBay. She’s now working full-time as a paid member of staff as our eBay Manager. Here she talks about her motivation for volunteering and her new role.
Brinda, our eBay Manager
During the second lockdown in 2020, I really started to soul search and reflect on my work life. My existing job was on hold, I wasn’t feeling fulfilled but had no idea how to find a new job or career when the whole world was in the middle of a pandemic!
By a real stroke of luck, destiny, not sure what to call it, I saw a call out for volunteers in the eBay department for the Vision Foundation shops, which was literally down the road from my house. I have a real passion for vintage and fashion so thought why not lend my skills to helping the charity. I’m a Londoner through and through and liked the aspect of volunteering for a London based charity. The volunteering was great. I was enjoying the research, finding out about the items – each unique in their own way – and loved seeing items I listed sell and make money for the charity. I had a sense of purpose and was using my skill and passion for a good cause. We then went into a third lockdown!
Christmas came and went, and life continued as normal. In January 2021, I heard back from the eBay manager that she was leaving to go back home to be close to her family. I wasn’t sure if they had a replacement for her but got in touch to say I really wanted to continue volunteering. As it turned out they hadn’t found her replacement and asked me if I would like to apply. After going through the interview process they called me and told me the job was mine! A dream come true! So here I am – loving my work, working with amazing people and with a real sense of making a difference.
To stay up to date with our latest eBay items check our our eBay shop and for updates on the best bargains, follow our dedicated instagram feed.
If you’d like to find out how you can make a difference by volunteering with the Vision Foundation check out our volunteering roles here.
