On Sunday 13th March, 22 Streetwise Leadership participants took part in an All Aboard hosted “Apprentice” Hands on Event. The team who generated the most sales wins.
Part of the Streetwise Leadership programme, this Hands on Event focussed on the importance of Tzedakah and the Mitzvah of ‘Matanot L'Evyonim’ (gifts to the poor) for the upcoming festival of Purim. The participants put into practice their leadership skills in five of the sixteen All Aboard charity shops.
Just like the popular TV series, the 22 Apprentices split into teams, chose team leaders, and were whisked away in people-carriers to the All Aboard shops. Their task was to increase the sales at the All Aboard shops during afternoon trading, designing a group strategy and working together to achieve their “Apprentice” challenge.
The Hands on Event started in the morning at the Stella Lucas House, All Aboard Head Office, where the participants received training in trading, window dressing, customer service, and health and safety procedures. The teams enthusiastically embarked on an afternoon of fun, fundraising and charity shop PR, with balloons, discount leaflets, collection tins and give-aways.
Some of the groups used ‘live window’ techniques, encouraging new customers into the shops, one of the groups set up a ‘meet and greet’ and raffle promotion, and the winning team set up a toy promotion outside the Mill Hill branch.
Back at the Head Office at the end of the day, all the participants agreed they had enjoyed the project immensely, saying positive things such as ‘We have never done anything like this before’, ‘We loved the spontaneity and improvisation’, ‘We chatted to and met charity shoppers from all different walks of life’ and ‘We felt good about raising money for good causes’.
Carol Marks, All Aboard Chief Executive said “The participants generated massive sales increases at all the five All Aboard shops. Team Mill Hill generated a staggering 249% increase on normal sales for that time!”
All Aboard and Streetwise Leadership jointly decided that the collection tin used throughout the day - which raised almost £500 - together with a top up from All Aboard Head Office, would go to the Japanese Tsunami Appeal.
Streetwise Leadership Manager Nathan Servi said “The Hands on Event was a remarkable success both educationally and from the volunteering perspective”.
Certificates were presented to the winning team, and Ice Cream from Tutti Gusti was enjoyed by all after a hard but rewarding day’s efforts. A successful collaboration for all concerned, as the photos will testify, and one that it is hoped will become an annual event!