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Op Shop volunteers encourage more people to get involved with unpaid work around the community.
The Salvation Army shop on Karepiro Drive, in Whangaparāoa is run by a team of both paid staff and volunteers.
Through the donation of household goods, they aim to support the church food bank, which in turn, supports 40 to 80 families on the Coast.
Hibiscus Coast Salvation Army team leader Tony Bentley hopes to see younger people volunteering their time in op shops and charities.
“A lot of the time, we’re relying on our older generations … diversity adds to the culture,” he says.
One of the oldest volunteers is almost 90, with the youngest just 15 years old.
Janice Soufflot first began volunteering at the food bank, then decided to give her time to the Salvation Army store. Janice is retired, and she says she enjoys volunteering to stay active, busy and one of the team.
“We waste nothing – if we can sort it and sell it. It gave me a new appreciation of how we can help other people,” Janice says.
The volunteers in the Salvation Army all praise the friendly atmosphere, with Janice saying how important it is to be “one of the team” and working among friends.
The Auckland City Mission website talks about the benefits of volunteering, saying that not only does it give good work experience and boost employability, but it also improves social connection and belonging.
This sentiment is echoed by the volunteers at Pandora’s Closet, who partner with Gutter Kitties.
Gutter Kitties, a no-kill cat rescue, works to rehome abandoned, surrendered and mistreated cats.
Ann-Marie Kooger and Ardine Moore both began volunteering in Pandora’s Closet because of their friendship, and both enjoy the friendly atmosphere among the staff.
Ann-Marie loves cats, trinkets and giving back to her community. She has been volunteering while dealing with health issues as the flexible work hours give her time to work without worrying about the physical barriers following surgery.
“We just want to help out in anyway we can” she says.
Ardine has had many battles throughout her life, including some which make it difficult to leave the house, she says.
Volunteering has given her a social network, and a group to enjoy her sense of humour. She assists behind the till, helping customers, along with providing her own handmade dream catchers and succulents.
“A lot of the time people want to volunteer their time for the bigger charities, but you think about the smaller op shops too and all the help they need.”
Both women have been volunteering for around seven years, saying that spending time alongside each other makes the work more enjoyable.
