Joy and smiles as Moray Reach Out trainees end Covid exile
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THERE was no shortage of smiles to be found when Moray Reach Out (MRO) once again welcomed their trainees back.
The Moray-wide charity, which is headquartered in Buckie, provides training opportunities for a wide range of vulnerable adults, including at its thrift shop, Buckie Yarns and can recycling centre in the town.
However, due to the Covid-19 lockdown in March all MRO's facilities in the region closed. While the thrift shop reopened its doors in July, the existing coronavirus regulations meant that only the volunteers, not the trainees, were allowed to resume their roles.
There was joy, though, recently when most of the trainees finally brought their Covid exile to an end.
MRO team leader Karen McKilligan said: "In Buckie most of the trainees are now back at the shop and the recycling centre at March Road industrial estate.
"They were all very keen to come back and have been champing at the bit for months now.
"There was great joy when they came back, lots of laughter and giggles and delight at being back. They've been a big miss for everyone.
"It's not a case of completely back to normal, though, and like most other places we've had our challenges to meet the Covid regulations. In the thrift shop unfortunately the trainees aren't allowed on the shop floor with customers for the time being but there's plenty other things for them to keep busy with.
"At the recycling centre they are basically operating as normal.
"It's basically a case of monitoring the regulations for changes. The trainees have been very good and responsible in the face of all the rules and regulations we have to abide by."
The thrift shop, which Mrs McKillgan said contain a great many bargains thanks to the generous donations of high quality pre-owned goods, is currently operating three days a week, Wednesday to Friday from 9.30am to 1.30pm. MRO Yarns and Crafts, which is also situated at the MRO HQ building on East Church Street, is also open at these times.
Visit the MRO thrift shop Facebook page for updates.
MRO Recycling is once again picking up used cans from businesses and other organisations – find out more at https://www.morayreachout.org.uk/
