Julia took a break following redundancy but lent her love of books and music to supporting our service.
Our eBay Volunteers bring with them a rich range of skills and knowledge to help them identify and list of donated treasures ready for resale. Julia shares her experience of joining the team.
‘I was made redundant a year ago, so after working for thirty years working I decided to take some time out. It’s been a pleasure to slow down a bit and do more of what I love.
‘I love music and books and I have sold some things on eBay in the past, so when I saw the call out for volunteers it felt like a chance to do something purposeful that I already enjoyed. I also hoped volunteering would be a way to meet new people. As we had relocated to Exeter during the pandemic and I’d been working from home since then, I was keen to get out of the house more.
‘I work mainly with vinyl records and books. Since I heard the double drumbeats on Adam and the Ants’ Dog Eat Dog on the car radio as a kid I’ve been obsessed with music – it brings me so much joy.
‘I do have a connection with Devon Air Ambulance as my wife was hit by a car as she was crossing the road in Exeter in November 2023 and was seriously injured. We’re incredibly grateful that the crew attended by [critical care] car and treated her at the scene, accompanying her by ambulance to Derriford. It was an incredibly shocking thing to go through, and it’s reassuring to know that Devon Air Ambulance’s skilled medics are there to help others in similar situations. I am glad this volunteering opportunity came along so I could give something back to say a proper thank you.
I’ve worked in charities and not-for-profit organisations for most of my working life, so I really understand how every penny of funding helps charities like Devon Air Ambulance to cover their costs. I’ve also spent lots of my time researching and writing, so hopefully I can come up with descriptions that help donations to sell at the best price possible.
‘I’m really enjoying the research involved in identifying the varied pressings of donated records and how much money copies have sold for in the past. Just last week I spotted a special pressing of a Beatles album that is very sought after by collectors, so hopefully we can get a really good price for it. It’s also fascinating to see the sheer diversity of donations that come into the warehouse and how brilliantly the eBay team get through them with the help of the volunteers.
‘I’ve felt really welcomed and trusted too and my morning of volunteering is a real highlight of each week.’
Would you like to lend your knowledge, skill and time to supporting our service? We always welcome volunteers and would love to hear from you.
