Sorting and Packing for distribution of donations for refugees & rough sleepers @ The Edward Alleyn Club

Hi Sam. This was my first GoodGym event. My husband and I arrived at 13:45 (15 minutes early). When we arrived, there were 7 or 8 people already working. They told us that the event had started at 13:00, that they didn't need our help and sent us away. That was disappointing as we wanted to help out and we needlessly spent an hour on a bus getting there. At the time, we thought we should contact you to let you know what happened but we didn't know how to send feedback. I just saw this discussion box on a different listing so I thought I'd go back to this listing to let you know. If you list this event again, it would be good to check with the organization to confirm the start time and that they actually do want additional help. Thanks for organizing! Sean

Hi Sean, thank you very much for your feedback and I am very sorry to hear this happened. Edward Alleynian Club session happens from 14:00-15:30 and it's on the flyer with those timings for people to drop off items, but I am guessing and I will check with Andrea (Get Rid Of And Donate founder) if the timings changed for August. Edward Alleynian Club has become the main sorting place for "Get Rid Of And Donate" (GROAD) during the month of August as in normal times, the main venue is at St. Faith's near North Dulwich station, but it's currently being used as a summer school. The sessions at St. Faith's start from 13:00, so I am wondering if possibly they brought these timings over to Edward Alleynian for the month of August. Still, I am disappointed that they sent you away as like you said, you came over from far to help. I am sure they could have found you something to do. Please do not let this be a lasting memory of GoodGym and I would encourage you to give GoodGym another chance. There are community missions or group run that do need volunteers. This one-off session had more helpers than needed. I know GROAD is not putting on a session this weekend (due to the bank holiday) and it's back to St. Faith's as a main venue and Edward Alleynian Club as a secondary venue from September, so I hope there won't be a mix-up with timings (but I will double check). Thanks for your feedback and apologies again from me. Sam