16 Jun Dedicated @Sue_Ryder volunteer honoured
A DEDICATED volunteer who started helping out in a charity shop after being made redundant has been honoured for his hard work.
Steve Denford, 39, from Canvey, started volunteering at the Sue Ryder in 2011 after losing his job.
He is now the longest serving volunteer at the charity shop, in High Road, Benfleet, and was rewarded for his dedication with a certificate, badge and voucher during a special ceremomy on Monday.
Mr Denford said: “I really enjoy volunteering at the shop.
“I love going out and meeting people – that is my favourite part. I work in the books and DVD section which is my favourite department.
“Working at the charity shop is a very rewarding thing to do. All the other volunteers are really nice, and the people that come into the shop are nice too, I will wear my badge with pride.
“I hope to volunteer for another five years.”
He helps out in the shop, which raises money to provide free care for people affected by life-changing illnesses, every Monday.
Assistant manager Debbie Verlander said he was a popular volunteer.
She added: “He is our longest serving volunteer at five years.It is a long time and he is a great volunteer.
“He loves to talk to the customers when they come into the shop and always welcomes them when they come in.
“He knows where all the books are and helps people find what they want in the book and DVD section.
