MORE volunteers are needed to join the ranks of the Alexandra Hospital’s League of Friends – so their popular Coffee Shop cafe can open again at weekends.
The group has been raising funds all year round to provide services and equipment for staff and patients at the hospital since the Alex first opened in 1986.
Just recently the Friends raised almost £2,000 through an annual Easter raffle for the Alex’s Antenatal Clinic.
“We would not be able to function without community support and the kind-hearted people who get involved,” said the Friends’ chairman Pat Hadley.
“Money is raised in a variety of ways but our main source is from the very busy Coffee Shop in the heart of the hospital.”
The Coffee Shop used to open at weekends but after a dip in the number of volunteers, it’s now only open on weekdays.
“It’s a real shame we can’t keep it open every day – that’s what we really want to do,” said Pat.
She added they would ‘absolutely love it’ if they could find one or two weekend volunteers to help out.
“It doesn’t have to be all the time either; it could be once a week, once a fortnight – whatever works,” she said.
More weekday volunteers would also be welcome.
“Volunteers drop off during the Easter break which is completely understandable,” said Pat.
“But it does mean we are low on numbers so it’s important to get the word out that we need as much help as possible.”
To get involved, simply visit the Coffee Shop.
Speaking about the money raised from the raffle, Mayor of Redditch Juliet Brunner said: “I feel honoured to have been asked to draw the numbers.
“It’s always a pleasure to support the League of Friends with their fund-raising.”
Pat added: “I just want to say a big thank-you to everyone who supported the raffle and also bought tickets.
“Volunteering is an opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and expand your horizons.”
