Charity begins at home

The Red Cross Shop, 10am, Wednesday

Anne Kleinschmidt

I’VE only been here in Toowoomba a few months.

I moved from Longreach in outback Queensland to be with my elderly mum.

I was born in Longreach, lived on a sheep and cattle station and then moved into town. Toowoomba is culturally very different. I’m adjusting slowly.

I just happened to come into the shop and I was looking for somewhere to volunteer. I came in Monday and started today. What do I love about Toowoomba? The cooler weather. It’s very hot in Longreach.

Lyn Vaughan

I’VE been living here for 26 years. I retired in March and my husband and I did some caravanning and then we came back and will probably do more caravanning in winter.

I decided I’d try some volunteer work. I applied here and the rest is history.

I volunteer two days a week. I enjoy it. You interact with other people and you’re helping the community, and it gives you a break from the monotony of retirement. Before I retired I worked in the office at Weis.

What do I love about Toowoomba? I love the gardens and the lifestyle.

Charmaine Renner

I’VE always had a love for op-shopping, as we call it. I moved to Toowoomba about five years ago and I started here at the Red Cross Shop as a manager in August this year.

I thought it would be a great opportunity to be involved in such a great cause.

Toowoomba is very generous with donations and very supportive in terms of buying from the shop. We receive new and donated stock from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney - stock that may not be found in other retail stores. All the proceeds that come into this store go back to where it can help and is needed most.

What do I love about Toowoomba? Everything. The people, the shopping, the gardens, you can just go on and on.

Harrison Saint

I’M 16, still in school at Harristown State High School. I’m going into Year 12 next year.

I was born in Toowoomba. I found the opportunity to volunteer at the Red Cross Store online and thought it would be a good thing to do, helping people out. It’s something nice to do, and it’s good as well to have the experience for future jobs. After Year 12 I’d like to do something at university and then maybe join the police force.

What do I like about Toowoomba? The great community. You always feel welcome.

PHOTO: MATTHEW NEWTON HELPING OUT: Toowoomba Red Cross Shop volunteers (from left) Anne Kleinschmidt, Lyn Vaughan, manager Charmaine Renner and Harrison Saint.