(pictured above, Paul with eBay team members Santa Gindra and Arta Zvirbule) When Paul Carr retired from a career as an Accountant at the age of 62, he knew he wanted to get into volunteering. After reaching out to Wakefield Hospice, Paul soon found himself with the perfect proposition, in the perfect place, and six years later continues to love what he does… “I always knew I wanted to volunteer for a local charity” said Paul. “I was keen to take on a role which would support my local community so began my search and soon came across the roles advertised at Wakefield Hospice.” Paul’s initial role saw him based at our Donation Warehouse, located on Tadman Street, where he had taken on the role of book sorting. “To work with books was a real dream for me; I have always been passionate about books and still remember joining the library for the first time as a child, so I felt really fortunate to find a role which not only supported a local charity, but also matched my own interests so perfectly. “My initial role saw me sorting through donated books, looking for quality and/or rare items which we would then sell through the shops.” In 2017, Wakefield Hospice began venturing into more online sale opportunities, originally through Amazon and then heading into 2019, a greater focus on eBay. When the pandemic hit in 2020 the focus on online sales only continued to escalate. “After supporting the shops with the sorting of books, we then began to sell items through Amazon and my job moved to support this online venture. About a year later when the eBay store was set up, I began sorting stock for our eBay store and that has proven to be the most fruitful opportunity which grows from strength to strength each year. “My current role now sees me going through our donated books to see which items will bring the most value on eBay, researching listings to ensure we know what to be looking out for, and also keeping the store room tidy and shelves replenished here at the George Street shop in Wakefield.” Just last month, one book (a signed copy of The Leek & Manifold Valley Light Railway by Robert Gratton) was sold on eBay for over £206 – money which in turn helps to provide the care services provided for local patients and their families across the Wakefield district. “In a good week we can raise £300-£400 through online book sales which is amazing. We couldn’t do it without the kind donations from our local community, and to be able to play a part in this fundraising process is a real pleasure and privilege. “I thoroughly enjoy my role at Wakefield Hospice, I am fortunate to work with some amazing people who have made me feel so welcome since day one and it’s great to know my work is supporting such a vital service in the local area. “To anyone considering volunteering I would advise you to think about what you enjoy doing, think what you are passionate about, and then try to find a role which can bring the two things together. It’s the approach I took and I can honestly say it is one of the best decisions I have ever made.” To find out more about volunteering at Wakefield Hospice please click here. To visit our Wakefield Hospice eBay store, please click here.