Enjoy the rewards of volunteering

The Red Cross shop in Warragul is on the lookout for new volunteers.
Recent times have seen community organisations find it more difficult to find volunteers to fill roles and the Warragul Red Cross shop is no different. COVID, as well as an ageing and changing demographic in rural areas also has impacted volunteer numbers.
Dale Hirling has been volunteering for the Red Cross since 2006 and says they are looking for more people to help out at the Warragul shop.
Dale says that apart from the knowledge, people are donating their time to a good cause and volunteering can be rewarding in many ways.
"Volunteering can be very enjoyable and rewarding," says Dale. "Being part of a team makes people feel more connected and keeps them engaged with the community."
Red Cross Shops sell new and pre-loved clothes, accessories, and homewares to raise funds to help people experiencing crisis and hardship. Thanks to the help of volunteers, the Red Cross helps divert millions of items from landfill every year and ensures that Red Cross teams are on the ground, 365 days a year, providing care and support where it is needed most.
Aside from the community rewards of volunteering Dale says working in the shop can be good for people looking for work or in semi or full retirement. "Working voluntarily in shops like ours provides people with experience in retail and customer service which can be good if they are looking for work. As well as this, for people in retirement it is an excellent way to stay connected to the community and to maintain their skills across a whole range of areas."
The Warragul Red Cross shop is looking for people to commit to volunteering at least one morning (9.30am to 1pm) or an afternoon (1pm to 4pm) per week. Volunteer roles include working in the shop serving customers, sorting donated goods, organising stock and creating shop displays.
People wishing to know more details about volunteering for the Red Cross in Warragul can visit the store at 3 Victoria St (near McLennan Arcade), email vicvolunteer@redcross.org.au or call 1800 833 489.