About the program
Join local volunteer teams in welcoming communities across Ireland and help support charitable organisations that make a real difference in people's lives.
In recent years, many charities have experienced growing demand for their services while facing increasing operational costs. As a result, volunteer support has become more important than ever in helping charity shops continue generating essential income for the communities they serve.
By supporting a local charity shop, you help generate vital income for non-profit organisations that provide essential services to vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. These services can include social support programmes, community outreach initiatives, advocacy and support services, wellbeing activities, and a wide range of other projects that help individuals and communities facing different challenges, including people with disabilities or additional needs, individuals experiencing poverty or social exclusion, women affected by domestic abuse, older adults, and those seeking support during difficult life circumstances.
Charity shops play an important role throughout Ireland. They rely on donations from the public, which are sorted, prepared, and sold to raise funds that directly support charitable causes. The shops are managed by professional staff and supported by dedicated local volunteers who help ensure their day-to-day success.
In addition to supporting charitable organisations, charity shops contribute significantly to environmental sustainability by encouraging the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of donated goods. They also help strengthen local communities by creating welcoming social spaces, reducing waste, and providing valuable volunteering opportunities.
Our placements are based in friendly towns and communities throughout Ireland, offering volunteers a genuine cultural immersion experience while making a positive impact.
Goals of this Project:
- Support the work of local charitable and non-profit organisations.
- Help generate income that funds important community services and programmes.
- Promote sustainable living through recycling, reuse, and waste reduction.
- Assist charity shop staff with daily operations and customer service.
- Contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of local communities.
How You Can Help
By joining this programme, you will play an important role in supporting the daily operation of a charity shop and helping local organisations continue their valuable work.
Your support will involve a variety of practical and customer-focused tasks. Volunteers become part of the shop team, assisting with everything from preparing donations for sale to helping customers and maintaining an organised, welcoming environment.
No previous retail experience is required. Volunteers will receive guidance from local staff and volunteers and will have the opportunity to develop communication, teamwork, customer service, and organisational skills throughout their placement.
Volunteers' tasks can include:
- Assisting customers and providing sales support
- Sorting donated items for recycling or shop stock
- Steam-cleaning and preparing clothing for sale
- Moving, cleaning, and restoring donated furniture
- Organising and displaying stock
- Pricing and labelling donated items
- Maintaining a clean and welcoming shop environment
- Supporting fundraising and promotional activities when required
- Assisting with general shop operations and administration
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all participants aged 18 years and over who wish to dedicate their time and energy to supporting this project.
This programme is ideal for volunteers who enjoy working with people, have a positive attitude, and are interested in supporting charitable organisations within local communities. Participants should be comfortable interacting with customers, staff, and fellow volunteers throughout the day.
Volunteers are expected to be adaptable, reliable, and willing to assist with a variety of tasks. Personal motivation, maturity, and responsibility are important qualities. Some tasks may involve standing for extended periods, lifting donated items, or assisting with furniture and stock movement.
An intermediate level of spoken English is required to ensure volunteers can communicate effectively with customers, staff members, host families, and other volunteers.
Volunteers are required to be flexible and willing to contribute wherever assistance is needed within the shop.
All applicants will have a video interview with the programme coordinator in Ireland and complete a medical questionnaire prior to confirmation of a placement.
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Resume
Project Location
Volunteers are placed in welcoming towns and communities throughout Ireland. Placements may be located in small market towns, regional centres, or larger communities, providing participants with a unique opportunity to experience everyday Irish life beyond the traditional tourist trail.
Each location offers its own character, culture, and attractions, allowing volunteers to immerse themselves in local community life while exploring Ireland's beautiful landscapes, historic sites, vibrant town centres, and rich cultural heritage.
Start Dates & Duration
This project has arrivals on specific Mondays throughout the year. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 3 to 12 weeks.
Places on this project are limited and subject to availability, so early booking is strongly recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Arrival in Cork Airport - Participants are picked up in the airport and transferred to accommodation in Cork city centre.
Arrival at a Different Airport - Volunteers arriving through Dublin airport or other Irish airports will need to make their own way to Cork. Detailed travel information will be provided prior to arrival. Regular bus and rail connections make travelling to Cork straightforward from most major Irish airports and cities. Volunteers are met on arrival in Cork city.
First Day and Overnight in Cork City - Volunteers stay in pre-arranged hostel accommodation in Cork city centre on their first night (shared dormitory bedroom). After checking in, participants have free time to relax, settle in, and explore the city. A welcome dinner is generally organised on the first evening, providing an opportunity to meet fellow volunteers.
Second Day: Orientation and Transfer to Project - On the morning of their second day, participants attend a comprehensive orientation workshop lasting approximately 3–4 hours, followed by a guided walking tour of Cork city.
Following the orientation, volunteers travel to their project location using public transportation and begin settling into their local community.
Accommodation & Meals
Following their orientation in Cork (hostel accommodation), volunteers stay with carefully selected local host families, providing a unique opportunity to experience authentic Irish culture and daily life.
Breakfast and dinner are provided by the host family, while lunch is typically prepared in the form of sandwiches or a packed lunch. Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated when communicated in advance.
Many host families live within walking distance of the project, while others may be located slightly further away. Depending on the location, volunteers may walk, cycle, receive lifts, or use local public transportation.
Host families come in many different forms, including families with children, couples, and single hosts. Participants usually have their own bedroom, although on occasion rooms may be shared with another volunteer of the same gender. It is also common for host families to welcome more than one international volunteer at a time, creating a sociable and supportive environment from the moment participants arrive.
In most project locations, there are several volunteers living and volunteering within the same community. This provides plenty of opportunities to meet fellow participants, socialise after volunteer hours, explore the local area together, and organise weekend trips and excursions around Ireland.
Living with a host family provides participants with an immediate support system, helping them settle in, improve their language skills, and gain a deeper understanding of Irish culture and daily life. At the same time, participants enjoy a good level of independence and freedom to explore their surroundings, build friendships with other volunteers, and experience life in Ireland at their own pace.
Fees
That’s just USD 87 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.