GET THRIFTY AT NEW STORE
Something for everyone in city’s newest charity store
TOOWOOMBA’S Red Cross Store is a one-stop shop for keen shoppers and those who want to save a dollar or two.
Since opening its doors on August 28, the new site opposite the soon-to-be-opened Bunnings Warehouse on Ruthven St, has proved popular with residents.
Manager Charmaine Renner said the new location had plenty of parking for customers, easy access to donation bins and was a great location in town.
“We have a great range of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing as well as bric-a-brac, books and some new gifts,” Ms Renner said.
“Red Cross recycles items donated by the community as well as new items purchased from retailers at a fraction of the usual price.
“And new stock is delivered to the stores every week.”
Assistant manager Rachel Bailey said one of the things that set the Red Cross store apart from other charity stores in town was it had access to corporate donations.
“Which means probably about 40 per cent of our stock is actually new on the floor,” Ms Bailey said.
Red Cross recycles items donated by the community as well as new items... — Charmaine Renner
“Our customers are people who want a really good quality product and they are willing to pay a little bit more for it than perhaps they would at another charity shop. That is because they know that it is new.”
Ms Bailey said Toowoomba had so far been incredibly generous in terms of donations.
“We have probably been quite surprised in that we have already reached a point where we are able to support other stores in Queensland because we have had really good quality donations coming through,” she said.
There is currently about 12 people who volunteer their time to the Red Cross Store, but it is always looking for more people. However volunteers do need to provide at least four hours a week to the store.
“Volunteering provides an opportunity for everyone to get involved in their community,” Ms Renner said.
“Our inclusive environment welcomes people looking for friendship, retired people, people wanting to develop their English skills and job seekers for work experience in the retail sector.”
Ms Bailey added they had so far had great people volunteer, many who had been beneficiaries of the Red Cross.
To sign up, register your interest online at redcross.org.au/volunteer.