Cathy is a volunteer at the Hospice Op Shops’ Distribution Centre, a busy role that involves assessing and processing donations for selling through our network of stores.
Cathy first volunteered at a different charity shop, then came to Hospice following management changes. That decision was seven years ago, and since then she’s become a regular at the Distribution Centre located at the Henderson Hospice Op Shop on Swanson Road. She volunteers two days a week, saying: “I love keeping busy and just getting things done.”
Volunteering became something of a family affair too. “My friend Shorty came, my daughter-in-law (who’s Thai) didn’t have a work visa back then, so she used to volunteer and she was a workaholic!” says Cathy. “My granddaughter volunteered too, then moved into a paid role at the Glen Eden Hospice Op Shop.”
The work itself is varied, and that’s part of the appeal. “You never know what your day’s going to bring – it’s like treasure hunting in the op shop,” she smiles.
Though based in the Distribution Centre, Cathy’s always happy to pitch in and help out in-store too. “If I see a long line at the counter, I’ll jump in,” she says. “Or if it’s quiet out here in Distribution, I’ll sweep floors. When we had the bargain corner in the store, I’d go through it, check for damaged clothes. We didn’t want things hanging up that weren’t in good condition.”
The Distribution Centre also plays a meaningful role in supporting the community in other ways. “We have a lady who takes bags of clothes to the homeless church in Glendene,” she explains. “The community go there for a meal and they can grab what clothes they need.”
As is the case with many Hospice volunteers, there’s a deeper connection to the organisation. “My sister-in-law was looked after by Hospice,” Cathy shares. “And I know a lot of people come to volunteer because they’ve had someone close cared for too.”
Cathy’s noticed some people don’t understand what Hospice does. “People say things like, ‘They only take the good stuff.’ But it’s not about being picky — you go to an op shop to buy things you’d wear yourself. And we want the shops to raise as much as they can because it funds the care Hospice gives for free.” And that care, she says, is invaluable. “Hospice really does a good job. People don’t realise until they need it.”
