Volunteers give back

For many, the Hato Hone St John retail store in Mangawhai is a place to pick up a bargain. For its volunteers, it is also a place to give back.

Around 50 volunteers contribute about 200 hours each week to keep the store running, helping raise funds for Hato Hone St John while building friendships and a strong sense of community.

Some volunteers have been with the shop since it opened and founding members Pamela D, Diane M, Gillian B, Jo R, Betty D and Maxine M are still an integral part of the team.

Retail store manager Toni Iaseto says every volunteer brings different strengths, and the team works to match people with roles they enjoy.

“Some love working with books, while others have a flair for creating eye-catching displays,” she says.

“Others enjoy sorting jewellery or carefully handling delicate bone china and bric-a-brac, while some manage the online store, which often features specialist items.”

Inside the shop, it doesn’t take long to notice the camaraderie among volunteers. Whether they are serving customers, sorting donations or preparing stock for the shelves, there is a constant stream of conversation and laughter.

Many say the friendships they have formed are just as important as the work they do. Regular customers also play a part, returning to donate pre-loved goods, hunt for bargains and catch up with familiar faces.

Money raised through the store has helped fund a range of Hato Hone St John projects, including the construction of the Mangawhai ambulance station and the Mangawhai retail store. It has also contributed to the placement of more than 40 publicly accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs) across the Bream Bay area and supports programmes including St John in Schools and 3 Steps for Life.

For many volunteers, their connection to Hato Hone St John is deeply personal.

Volunteer Pam says her mother received care from Hato Hone St John ambulance personnel on many occasions over several years and for her, volunteering at the store is her way of giving something back.

She says the friendships she has formed and the sense of belonging she has found through the shop have become just as rewarding as supporting the organisation.

While the store has a strong volunteer team during weekday opening hours, more volunteers are needed at weekends.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Toni Iaseto at toni.iaseto@stjohn.org.nz