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I work in a community centre, that's supported by a shop. The shop sells a mixture of ethical and fairtrade goods, plus donated items. THe idea is that the shop supports the rest of the building, spo that the rooms can be used free (or at very little cost) by anyone who wishes to.
The main part of the centre is a play room/toy library, but it can be used for classes (we've had yoga, meditation, local history, drama and much else besides). You can also have a free cup of fairtrade tea or coffee and just have a chat. My job consists of managing the new stock (ie the stuff we have to buy in), working in the shop, organising events/stalls etc and chatting to the visitors etc. There's always a few children about, and they're great to talk to or train in the shop or whatever. There's a smaller version of the same room, without the toys and screaming children, for a more relaxing atmosphere. There's a nice little yard/garden too. The office can also be used by anyone, including the computer. Donations are appreciated.
We run stalls at local events, too, and we sometimes go to schools to teach the children about Fairtrade.
Me and one other person are both paid part time, and we work additional hours on top of that, on a voluntary basis. We have 10-15 regular volunteers and many other people who help out occaisionally, or while they are visiting.
We rock, basically.
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