Volunteer Stories – Luke Ighorojeh

Abs_Scope

My name is Luke Ighorojeh, and I volunteer as a General Shop Assistant in Fulham, West London. Most Saturdays, you’ll find me there at the Scope shop. I spend my time steaming clothes, pricing donations, and sorting the back room. It’s busy, but I enjoy the pace and the small moments you get with people.

I first came across the shop by chance. I saw a flyer on the noticeboard at my art college, and then later that week I walked past the shop window. I stopped without thinking. The display was hand-painted and thoughtful. It felt different, and that stayed with me.

What I love most about volunteering here is that I get to bring all parts of myself into one space. On the court, I’m an athlete. In the studio, I’m an art student. In the shop, I’m both, and also the person who reads stories aloud when it’s quiet. It all comes together in a way I didn’t expect.

One moment really stayed with me. A mum came in with her daughter, who uses a walker. She remembered me and said I had served them the month before. Her daughter had seen me transfer from my chair to a stool and asked if girls in chairs can play basketball. We sat on the floor together. I sketched a wheelchair basketball player dunking, and she coloured it in. When they left, she folded the drawing and put it in her pocket like it mattered. That meant a lot.

At the start, I didn’t think I’d be any good on the till. My hands are often taped after training, and I thought it would be tricky. But the team showed me a different way to bag items, and now it’s second nature.

If you’re thinking about volunteering, I’d say just give it a go. You don’t have to commit a lot of time. Even an hour a week helps. If you like art, sport, or just talking to people, there’s something for you. For me, it works because I can bring my sketchbook, my stories, and my basketball mindset to the same counter.

Want to give volunteering a try?

Luke’s story shows how volunteering can fit around your life. It helps you bring your skills and interests together while gaining valuable experience.

There are lots of ways to get involved, whether you enjoy meeting people, helping in a shop, or trying something new. Why not try volunteering?

Mary_Scope

This was a great read! Thank you Luke and everybody else who volunteers in our shops!💜