Bathurst's Red Cross Shop is inviting members of the community interested in volunteering to consider a role at the charity shop.
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The op-shop, situated in William Street, is a volunteer run retail store stocking pre-loved clothing and homewares, with all proceeds assisting Australian Red Cross teams in offering crisis support in Australia and overseas.
Red Cross retail area manager NSW/ACT Susie Barbaro said volunteering is a great way to get to know the local community.
"Through volunteering, there's a fantastic opportunity to forge meaningful friendships with the local community," Ms Barbaro said.
"Around 95 per cent of our workforce comprises of volunteers, and it's a great opportunity for people who may not have a great deal of local connections to build vital retail and networking skills."
Ms Barbaro said a volunteer role can prove especially beneficial for senior citizens looking to stay active after retirement and residents new to the community who are looking to grow their network.
"We have quite a number of volunteers who speak English as a second language, and the role has helped them grow accustomed to Australian slang and feel a greater sense of comfort within their community," she said.
"All the funds we raise go towards Red Cross initiatives assisting Australian and international citizens in times of hardship, whether they be elderly, disabled, homeless or migrants transitioning to a new life."
Bathurst Red Cross Shop manager Fay Connors said volunteering has allowed her, as a retiree, to maintain a solid weekly routine and regular engagement with the local community.
"When you retire, the long periods of sitting around without anything to do can be really hard on your wellbeing, so this role allows me to stay connected and committed to a worthwhile cause," Ms Connors said.
"We have lots of customers who regularly visit for a browse and a chat, and most of the people who work here love coming in once or twice a week for those valuable interactions."
Ms Connors said the shop is always on the lookout for donations, and encourages anyone with desirable items of clothing or homewares to drop in for a visit.
"The store is like a big lucky dip, and regular donations help us maintain vibrant variety of stock for customers," she said.
Bathurst's Red Cross Shop is situated at 65 William Street.
For more information, visit www.redcross.org.au/findmyshop or the Red Cross Shops Facebook page.