General News
29 March, 2023
Op shops call on volunteers
OP shops across the region have been among the hardest hit by ongoing volunteer shortages.
OP shops across the region have been among the hardest hit by ongoing volunteer shortages.
A number of op shops across the region have been crying out for volunteers, as declining numbers impact opening hours and put pressure on those already volunteering.
Terang Community Op Shop project manager Andrea Balcombe said the shop had fallen to just a handful of volunteers, which had been impacting opening hours.
“We haven’t been able to open the hours we used to because we haven’t got the volunteers,” she said.
“We undoubtedly have some brilliant volunteers, but some are in their 70s and 80s and we don’t want to ask too much of anyone who is giving up their time.
“If there are people out there who would love to volunteer, who could spend just three or four hours a week, most op shops would be grateful to have new people come on board.”
Ms Balcombe said volunteering was a great way to give back as the Terang Community Op Shop had donated around $900,000 to a wide variety of projects benefitting the community over the years.
“Op shops are also an important social hub, because people come in to browse and have a chat,” she said.
“It’s an opportunity to get out and enjoy a social occasion; all the time we will see a group of people having a bit of an op shop tour.
“At the moment we’re finding people upset because we’re not open of an afternoon, and we would like to be, but the only thing holding us back is a lack of volunteers.”
Other op shops across the region have experienced similar issues, while some been fortunate to receive new volunteers to remain steady.
Lifeline Camperdown has received a boost with the addition of four new volunteers in recent months to provide some stability, but more volunteers were always needed and other Lifeline outlets had not been so fortunate.
Vinnies Camperdown manager Jan Lines said the current rotation of volunteers skewed older due to the aging population in the region and economic pressures on younger members of the community.
“Most charities are finding it hard to find volunteers,” she said.
“I think it’s an aging population because most people are now two-income families, so there are time constraints with employment and raising children.
“I think since the pandemic began, people have also become quite mindful of health too.
“The area also has an aging population.”
Ms Lines said rosters needed to be flexible to avoid asking too much of volunteers if they had other commitments or fell ill.
“Volunteers are the backbone of the community,” she said.
“If we don’t have volunteers, we don’t open, and we don’t have staff numbers to keep everything running like a fine-oiled machine.
“I would encourage anyone to come in and have a trial, learn new skills or apply their skills.
“Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity for growth.”
Mortlake Op Shop volunteer Carolyn Warneminde said the town had strong volunteer numbers, which had helped the store remain stable in its opening hours.
“I think volunteers get as much out of it as we give,” she said.
“Having volunteer numbers means we can be open more often, share ideas of how things go and work together on decisions.
“Volunteers make all the difference.
“Op shops are a great place for customers and volunteers alike to be social or give back to the community.”
Terang Community Op Shop volunteer Sandra Adams said she had found volunteering to be a fulfilling experience and encouraged others to put their hand up.
“I think it’s great and it’s something I’d been thinking about for a long time,” she said.
“I just had to get out and do something, I was losing that social activity, so coming in and talking to Andrea made me feel like I was part of a family and not just going to work for someone.
“Everything was invested in looking after everyone else, it’s such a great environment to be in, and the amount of money that goes back in to the community is phenomenal.
“It’s nice to know you’re there helping people; we’ve had people suffer through house fires and knowing we’re able to offer something in those moments is such a great feeling.”
