Stuart Anderson MP has commended the hard work and dedicated efforts of local volunteer, Rosalind Shaw. Rosalind is the recipient of the Prime Minister’s 1665th Point of Light award. This is illustrious award recognises outstanding volunteers who are making meaningful change in their community.
Rosalind has set up a school uniform swap shop at her local church, St Columba's on Castlecroft Road in Wolverhampton. The shop will be running during August for anyone to choose free second-hand school uniform for their children ready for September. Rosalind and her team have already helped hundreds of children to receive items of clothing and have ensured that over a tonne of clothing has been saved from having to go to landfill.
On Thursday the 5th of August, Rosalind met Stuart Anderson MP. Stuart formally presented Rosalind with the award from the Prime Minister and they spoke about Rosalind’s fantastic community work.
Stuart endorsed Rosalind’s efforts and praised the benefits it is having on local families and the environment. It is estimated that the clothing industry causes 20% of industrial water pollution, and generates more greenhouse gases than all international flights combined. It is also responsible for 92 million tons of waste dumped in landfill each year.
Stuart Anderson said: “I would like to congratulate Rosalind Shaw on this fantastic achievement. The motto of Wolverhampton is ‘out of darkness cometh light.’ The Prime Minister’s Points of Light award recognises those who go above and beyond in serving their community. Our city has a great community spirit, and it is excellent to see the hard-work and dedicated efforts of inspirational role models such as Rosalind being recognised in this way. I encourage everyone to follow in Rosalind’s footsteps and volunteer.”
Rosalind said: “I am delighted and honoured to receive the Points of Light award. Our Community Uniform Swap Shop has grown enormously during the pandemic due to the generosity of the local community who have donated outgrown uniform and shared our work with friends and family. Our swap shop saves these items of clothing from landfill and passes them on to others for free, saving parents money while doing our part for the environment. I am thankful for our amazing team of volunteers who help to sort the clothes, fix any missing buttons or unpicked hems, and assist people who come to choose the uniform they need or want. The support our project has received is incredible and I am very grateful for this wonderful recognition.”
The uniform swap shop is open every Sunday until the 5th of September from 12:00 pm until 2:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to choose free uniform for their children. Carers do not need to bring uniform to swap but all uniform donations will be gratefully received. Any school that donates its lost property will be sent a certificate detailing the difference that they have made to the environment. Anyone that would like to donate can email events@stcolumbasurc.com