Wexford man humbled to win Oxfam’s volunteer of the year award – ‘It helps me in more ways than I help Oxfam’

The 77-year-old joined Oxfam’s crew in 2019 and has quickly gone on to establish himself as the heart and soul of their Wexford shop.

Typically modest, John insists “it helps me in more ways than I help Oxfam”, but Oxfam’s Wexford branch manager Leona Hunt says that the opposite is true and having suffered the devastating loss of his wife Jean back in 2019, John has dedicated his time and efforts to volunteering with the charity.

"I thought they were joking!” John said after his win. “I didn’t think I was going to get an award for doing something I really enjoy. The reaction from the staff was unbelievable. They’re still congratulating me! We’re going for a meal later in the week to celebrate.”

Rarely held back, John only had his hip replaced six weeks ago, but he is already back behind the till for four shifts a week in Oxfam.

"I’m just on one crutch now!” he grins. “I’m delighted to be back. The whole experience came about four years ago, after my wife died. She had Alzheimer’s. I was in the nursing home with her every day for three years. When she passed away, I hadn’t a clue what to do with my time.

"I was passing the Oxfam shop in Wexford one day and I saw a sign in the window. I didn’t think I had a chance because I was 72 at the time. I started on one shift a week, and now I’m up to four.”

“I get so much out of volunteering, it’s unbelievable,” John smiles. “It’s a hard thing to explain. When my wife passed away, it was like half of me was gone. It’s a silly way to put it, but since I joined Oxfam Wexford, that half of me is back. It’s like being born again. It’s given me more than I ever could have thought possible.”

A real people person, John loves getting to know customers and meeting new ones.

“Lovely customers come in and get to know you,” he muses. “They come back in when they pass by to have a few words. The management and the staff here are unbelievable. Leona is brilliant.

"I love looking after bits of jewellery and getting items valued, like records and CDs. Honestly, I felt humbled. Instead of Oxfam thanking me, it should be me thanking them! They gave me a second chance. I was honoured with the award, but the real prize belongs to the entire Oxfam Wexford team. It’s a group effort.”

Store manager Leona Hunt feels that John’s award is well deserved.

“I cannot count the ways he has helped our store and our team to thrive,” she said. “At age 77, I can safely say he is the face of our shop. He has a cheerful hello and a chat for every customer that comes in and is our resident DJ, creating a wonderful atmosphere on our shop floor for everyone.

"He never sits still,” she laughs. “John loves to see the joy a customer has in finding something special and is thrilled when an item gets a second life.”

Finally Oxfam Ireland CEO Jim Clarken spoke of John’s “unparalleled” contribution to the organisation’s work.

"John’s dedication to his role continues to amaze everyone at Oxfam Ireland,” he said. “His compassionate, generous approach to his chosen duties are valued and it’s an honour and a pleasure to have him represent Oxfam.”