volunteering – Rainbow Turtle

Volunteers’ Week 2020

1st June 20201st June 2020 rainbowturtle2002

It’s Volunteers’ Week this week, a time to celebrate the amazing contribution volunteers make and giving an opportunity to say thank you. The Rainbow Turtle shop and charity wouldn’t be able to function without our enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers, and we really do thank each and every one of you for everything that you do. Even though Rainbow Turtle isn’t able to carry out most of what we do right now, our volunteers are still keeping our spirits up with their lovely emails and video chats, and lots of ideas for the future. Thank you!

Under more normal circumstances we would have organised something this week to thank our volunteers properly – last year we had a lovely night of sandwiches, cake, and chatter! – but of course that’s not possible right now. We hope to be back together very soon, and we can postpone our celebrations until then.

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Volunteers’ Tasting Event

25th February 2020 rainbowturtle2002

As part of our efforts to work more closely with Paisley-based fair trade organisation, JTS, we recently hosted a tasting event for Rainbow Turtle volunteers in our Paisley shop. JTS import and distribute fair trade products from around the world, many of which are on sale in our shop on Gauze Street.

Tracy Mitchell from JTS brought a selection of Eswatini jams and chutneys and Ukuva sauces. She talked about the difference that we make to the lives of the producers when we buy their products. We learned of the difficulties that these small producers have in making and distributing their foods, often from land locked countries. We heard how JTS has to overcome complex logistical problems from international banking systems, transport issues and UK health and safety regulations. More importantly we were able to taste these delicious foods lightly spread on oat cakes and gluten free crackers.

My favourite definitely has to be the Ukuva Peri Peri Sauce mixed in with cottage cheese (or for those on a dairy free diet mixed in with an oat cream cheese) on an oat cake. Mmm… mmm… Also available was Ukuva’s Chermoula Sauce which is currently JTS‘ flavour of the month and profiled in one of our latest blogs.

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Volunteering at Rainbow Turtle

19th September 2019 rainbowturtle2002

Last week we went along to the UWS Students’ Union for their annual Volunteering Fair. It was really great to speak to new students about what we do for Fair Trade in Paisley and how they can get involved. I hope we’ve picked up some new volunteers by going along, but at the very least we attracted some new customers to our lovely shop by showing off just some of the amazing products we sell which help producers and the environment.

But don’t worry – it’s not only students that we’re looking for as volunteers! Coming into the Christmas season we’ll be very busy and need lots of extra help so if you’d like a bit of retail experience in a laid-back, friendly environment, or you’re simply a supporter of the shop and want to help out even more then please get in touch. You can find out more about our volunteering opportunities here and we’d be delighted to hear from anyone, regardless of your previous experience or skills. Get in touch!

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Volunteers’ Week Celebration

7th June 2019 rainbowturtle2002

It’s Volunteers’ Week this week (1st – 7th June) so to celebrate we got together with some of our amazing shop volunteers and charity trustees on Wednesday, had some tasty sandwiches and cakes, and had a good chat. It was great to see so many of our volunteers at once, and a good opportunity for everyone to meet or catch up with those who tend to help out on different days. Rainbow Turtle wouldn’t be where it is today, and wouldn’t be able to continue, without the support of our fantastic volunteers, so it was only right that we did something to thank them.

We’re also always seeking new volunteers so if you’d like to join this friendly bunch then have a look here for more information and get in touch!