Key People in NCBI Maynooth
Audrey O Neill is the driving force behind the NCBI Maynooth charity shop in Maynooth village. For the past three years she has been the manager. Her entire family have been involved with different charitable organisations. Audrey along with three volunteers ensure that the shop runs efficiently. The volunteers Mairead, Mary and Hillary take it in shifts along with Audrey to run the shop six days a week. Des Kenny is the CEO of the organisation since 1986 and he is the main link to the NCBI headquarters on the Whitword Road, Drumcondra, Dubln 9. His right hand man is Paddy Byrne and he ensures that the shop is running effectively by inspecting the organisation every couple of months. Audrey’s working background is as an interior designer. She started from an early age doing the visual merchandising in Mrs Quinn’s shop in Celbridge for her mother as she was the manager there for many years. Her grandmother has also been involved with charities and was involved with the Lifeboat and Oxfam charities in Rathmines her entire life. Mary one of the shop volunteers is the direct link with the collection that takes place in Manor Mills once a month to ensure that the stock intake of clothes is always of excellent quality. Brian Friel is the financial controller and he deals with all the money that is accumulated within the shop from week to week. He has been in the position since 2007.
The Challenges Facing Charities
The recession has taken a hold on the countries expenditure over the last number of years, with many people feeling they no longer have the ability to donate to charities such as, National council for the Blind Ireland (NCBI).In addition to this plight the government has also reduced its allocation of grants to not for profit organisations, making it a more challenging environment for charities to operate in. The NCBI employs over 150 staff and numerous volunteers who cater for in the region of 14,000 people, some of which suffer from partial blindness and some are totally blind. The NCBI Maynooth branch run a charity clothes shop which offer designer brands and unworn and partially worn clothes at knockdown prices in order to raise money for the charity. The shop has seen a steady increase in demand over recent years. From readings I have undertaken, charity fundraising has increased by 24% from 2010 to 2011 partly due to cuts in government funding. Charities such as NCBI have noticed an increase in demand for their services due to high unemployment rates and low income levels at present which has meant many families cannot afford to provide the necessary services for their families. Organisations such as Fundraising Ireland have stated that one in ten charities will fold due to the fact they do not have enough funding to see them past the next 6 to 12 months. Tough conditions lie ahead for all charitable organisations and more creative fundraising skills are needed to keep these vital services running.
Social Media & Charities
The National Council for the Blind of Ireland Maynooth (NCBI) over the past number of weeks has increased the charities public and online profile through the use of social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and WordPress. Our group has increased the online presence of NCBI Maynooth using search engine optimization (SEO). We have also added NCBI Maynooth to handyinfo.ie and yelp.ie which are both online business and services directories. A Charities SEO is an incredibly important tool because it enables people to find out information regarding the charity. The group has been successful in raising the charities SEO because at present a Google search of NCBI Maynooth lists the charity shop as the first seven links on the search engine. The strategy the group has used in raising the profile of NCBI Maynooth is to integrate social networking sites. The group has used Hootsuite which is an online brand management service which links all social media networks and enables a company to manage their social media platforms. Social networking sites are of vital importance in order to spread the word of the good work which is being carried out daily by NCBI. Our main objective is to raise awareness of the NCBI Maynooth retail online and continue to carry on the excellent work which was previously carried out by Mrs Quinn’s Charity Shop. People in the Maynooth and surrounding area can now connect with NCBI Maynooth online and we hope that by implementing this, people can continue to support their local charity.
Managing a Charity Shop – The Unique Challenges
Charity shops can be a very lucrative fund-raiser for the parent charity, but are also, from a management view, one of the more complex and time-consuming fund-raising methods available. They also pose many unique challenges that are not encountered in commercial retail management. Challenges such as:
1. Staffing. As the vast majority of charity shop staff are unpaid it can be a challenge to get adequate, suitable staff. While there may be numerous volunteers not all may be suitable for working with the clientèle using a charity shop. While the normal skills associated with the retail trade are necessary, there are also additional skills and characteristics, like empathy and discretion, needed for charity shop work.
2. Stock. Unlike commercial retail shops charity shops are very dependant on public donations for stock. When stocks run low you cannot just visit your wholesaler. Advertising, public appeals and promotions are essential to ensure adequate supply of donated stock.
3. Quality of Stock. As the stock is donated you have little control of its quality. This is where sorting skills come into their own. Never sell damaged or soiled stock as your shop will develop a reputation of stocking junk. Sort the good quality and display well. Donations not of adequate quality for sale and be bagged and sold to recycling companies. A black refuse sack of recycled clothes is worth €8.
4. Being Diplomatic. Never start sorting donated stock in front of donor. They may be embarrassed about what they have donated. Likewise never pass comment or presume anything about why customers are shopping in a charity shop. Some people find it hard to admit they need to buy second hand clothes or essentials.
5. Appearance & Displays. You are in competition with a huge range of retail, low cost and other charity shops so never presume you don’t have to attract customers like other retail outlets. A clean, bright premises with good displays are just as important to a charity shop as any other outlet.
A charity shop can be a good earner for the recipient charity but never presume its an easy earner. Not only will you face the normal everyday challenges facing any small business, but also a set of unique ones that have to be overcome. However once these issues are faced and dealt with the concept of the charity shop, such as NCBI Maynooth charity shop, can be a lucrative earner.
The National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI)
The National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) enables blind and visually impaired people to overcome barriers that impede their independence and participation in society. The NCBI hosts an assortment of services and facilities to accomplish their mission. Established in 1939 the NCBI now facilitates over 14,000 visually impaired people.
An umbrella of support exists over a network of people dedicated to carrying out the core values of the organisation. A range of practical skills training programs are available in activity centres and through individual assistance. Attendees can achieve a FETEC qualification, fitness training and counselling. A library of information on all visual conditions is available as well as a variety of Fiction and Non-Fiction books in audio, Braille and large print for adults and children. The NCBI are activists in ensuring legal rights for the visually impaired, and assist in procedures necessary in gaining Government benefits and allowances.
The focus on independence is evident in the strong emphasis on career guidance and employment support. Information and technical tools are offered to employers of visually impaired employees. A centre for inclusive technology aims to provide accessible websites and communication technologies. Their media centre promotes Braille and audio tools that can be implemented in organisations.
Volunteering options range from helping out at social outings, activity centres or in one of their many charity shops around the Country, like the one that can be found located at Alcol House, The Square, Maynooth that promises to be the best second hand/vintage/brands clothing shop in Kildare. NCBI have a calendar of events to get involved with and support a genuine charity doing exceptional work to improve local communities. All information can be found at the NCBI website.
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