Rainbows Hospice Volunteer Day

On Tuesday 29th July, Ashley, Luke, and Mackenzie from our Head Office, spent a day volunteering at Rainbows Hospice, in Loughborough. The team dedicated their time to supporting the charity’s retail operations—an essential part of Rainbows’ fundraising efforts.

The day began with hands-on tasks in the hospice’s retail sorting area. Volunteers sorted through donated clothing, carefully categorising items as either “Sellable” (in excellent condition) or “Rag” (damaged or marked but still valuable for recycling). Even the rag items contribute to Rainbows’ income, as they are collected and sold for recycling. The team also reviewed donated books, ensuring only those in good condition were resold via the “World of Books” website, while others were responsibly recycled.

In addition to sorting, the team moved numerous cages, bagged items for delivery, and prepared rag collections for recycling teams. Though physically demanding, the work was deeply rewarding, knowing every task directly supported Rainbows’ mission.

Later in the day, the team was given a tour of the hospice’s facilities. Rainbows provides specialist care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, many of whom are receiving end-of-life support. The hospice is designed to help families create lasting memories together, with facilities including a hydrotherapy pool and jacuzzi equipped with hoists, sensory and music rooms, a gym, and ample space for play and relaxation.

One of the most striking insights from the team’s visit was learning that Rainbows must raise approximately £8.5 million annually to continue its vital work—yet only 12% of this comes from government funding. The remainder is generated through fundraising, grants, donations, and income from their 10 retail shops. This makes every volunteer effort, no matter how small, incredibly impactful.

The day was a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and the difference that volunteering can make. Rainbows Hospice continues to be a beacon of hope and care for families across the region, and it was an honour to contribute to their mission.

If you’re inspired by the work Rainbows does, there are many ways to get involved. Whether it’s donating quality items to their shops, volunteering your time, or organising a fundraiser, every contribution helps make a difference. Visit www.rainbows.co.uk to learn more about how you can support their charity.

Save for the Future while supporting Rainbows

In addition to donating and volunteering for Rainbows, people can also support the hospice while saving for their future.

Earlier this year, The Loughborough proudly launched Community Savings Accounts in support of Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. These accounts offer members a way to save for the future while helping Rainbows provide vital care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

The Loughborough makes annual donations to the hospice based on the total balances held across all such accounts. The more our community saves, the more Rainbows receives.