DOORS OPEN: Volunteers back in action
The reopening of a charity shop in Horsham will allow volunteers to push forward with key fundraising efforts that were missed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Craft for a Cause sells home-grown produce, plants and handmade craft and volunteers reopened the doors to the community on Monday.
The Mclachlan Street shop has been closed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving a dedicated team without work for more than six months.
Store manager Jan Morris said she urged Horsham Rural City Council to allow the store to get back up and running.
“When I rang our council, they were so supportive to get the shop open again,” she said.
“We put it out there and have 25 volunteers willing to get back to work. There are heaps of people really willing to help whenever they can.
“Craft for a Cause is all for the wellbeing of people wanting to knit, cook or just be involved.”
All proceeds generated through the shop are donated to various charities in the Wimmera, including Horsham’s Christian Emergency Food Centre, Horsham College Chaplaincy committee and Horsham Carols by Candlelight.
Mrs Morris said the reopening represented a crucial step forward to continue with these fundraising efforts.
“We have been able to raise more than $7000 a year in the past three years and every cent stays in the community,” she said.
She said the store had the additional benefit of bridging a connection between Horsham residents.
“We have people who just come in to say hello. They might not buy anything, but it’s nice to just come in and have a chat,” she said.
“And for the volunteers working in the shop, they get to develop real friendships. They spend about three hours together and it might be busy sometimes but other times it’s just a good social opportunity.”
Mrs Morris said younger volunteers also had an opportunity to build on their experience.
“It’s mainly retirees working here, but we do have a few younger girls who say volunteering here will help with future employment,” she said.
Mrs Morris said the store had implemented a COVID-SAFE plan and would follow strict guidelines in line with State Government regulations to ensure the safety of volunteers and customers.