WM Action - Community Service Volunteers (CSV)

Twelve volunteers aged between 16 and 25 were given basic training by design professionals before going head to head in an ‘Apprentice’ style challenge to transform window displays of charity shops across the city on Saturday 1 December, 2007.

Agents4Change charity volunteer project

They were assessed by experts and Anees Malik and Zahid Akhtar, working on a shop in Shirley, were awarded a hamper as the winners for their hard work and creative style.

The project is called Agents4Change and is coordinated by volunteering charity CSV.

It aims to encourage people aged between 16 and 25 to get involved in community projects.

Benefits

Helen Clare, the charity's volunteer coordinator, said the day had been a great success.

“It is great for young people to be able to make their mark on charities in this way," she said.

Fresh look: shop windows spruced up

"The volunteers thoroughly enjoyed the day and put in so much effort.

"Many of them are going to return to their shop to regularly work on the shop's windows.”

Eye-catching

Helen's sentiments were echoed by Roger Wright from the Cancer Research charity whose shops provided the event's venues.

“Eye-catching windows bring in different customers and younger volunteers attract a younger clientele," he said.

"We are chronically short of young volunteers and hope this project will help us attract more.

"It's good experience for those trying to get into the workplace and can also be a lot of fun.”