The hospice shop in Whangaparāoa has a new manager, Faith Howes, who brings her own experience as a volunteer to the role.
She has worked in the second-hand sector for more than a decade.
“When I first volunteered in an op shop, I was amazed by the amount of work that happens out the back – the sorting, cleaning, processing and pricing,” Faith says.
She has been at the Whangaparāoa store since the end of May and says it almost runs itself.
“We have some very experienced volunteers, so I don’t need to overly manage them,” she says. “Many treat it like a paid job and are very reliable.”
There are around 60-70 volunteers at the store, and Faith says she is three-quarters of the way to knowing all their names.
Coming in every day from her home in Birkdale means Faith also needs to get to know the Coast community.
“As well as getting to know the team, I am finding out more about the customers’ needs,” she says. “It helps that hospice is a big part of this community and it’s a well established shop.”
Matching volunteers with the jobs they enjoy provides job satisfaction and helps them feel valued, and there is another trick up Faith’s sleeve – “chocolate biscuits help”!
“It’s a hard job, no doubt about it, but they know every little bit they contribute does so much good.”
