Local MP Caroline Dinenage 'worked the till' for charity when she joined the Solent Diabetes Association team at their Gosport shop.
The Gosport MP met with volunteers and trustees at the charity shop on Gosport High Street last week. She took a tour of the shop and learned how to sort donations before being let loose working the till and assisting customers.
Caroline commented during the visit that "this is a truly local charity – not only raising money to help local people but also offering advice and guidance about diabetes."
Charity shop trustee Raymond Hale added, "What makes our shop different from other charity shops is that we provide medically approved information about diabetes together with reassurance and encouragement to those who need it."
Solent Diabetes Association, which has two charity shops in Gosport and Fareham, provides support to the local diabetes community. Under the motto 'Donate, don't dump!' they offer not only a wide range of items for sale at very reasonable prices, but also help and advice for people and families concerned about managing the symptoms of diabetes.
As part of her constituency programme of visits over the summer Caroline has offered her services to local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups. Commenting on this commitment, Caroline said:
"These local organisations are the lifeblood of our community and the embodiment of David Cameron's 'Big Society'. I hope to get around to visiting as many as possible to meet the volunteers, understand about their work and do my bit to help!"