How I Volunteered at Tesco During the COVID Pandemic

The COVID pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone, especially for the frontline workers who risked their lives to provide essential services to the public. I was one of the many volunteers who decided to help out at Tesco, the largest supermarket chain in the UK, during the initial wave of the pandemic.

I signed up for the Tesco Volunteer Scheme, which was launched in March 2020 to recruit volunteers to support the elderly, vulnerable, and self-isolating customers. The scheme aimed to fill the gap in the workforce caused by the high demand and the staff shortages due to the lockdown and the illness. Tesco offered training, protective equipment, and flexible hours to the volunteers, as well as a thank-you letter and a certificate of appreciation.

I was assigned to work at my local Tesco Superstore in Atherton, where I helped with various tasks such as stocking shelves, packing bags, cleaning, and assisting customers. I worked for about 20 hours per week, usually in the mornings or evenings, depending on the availability of shifts. I met many wonderful people, both staff and customers, who were very grateful for my help. I also learned a lot about the retail industry and how Tesco operates.

Volunteering at Tesco was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I felt proud to play a small part in helping the country cope with the pandemic. I also gained valuable skills and confidence that will help me in my future career. I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in volunteering to check out the Tesco Volunteer Scheme or other similar opportunities.