Waikato refuge team open grateful op shop
Waikato Women’s Refuge have officially opened their new Grateful Op Shop and are encouraging the good-hearted to get involved.
Located next to their premises in Commerce St, Frankton, the op shop is looking for volunteers to man the counter, stock items and greet customers.
Business manager Clare Denny said there was a neverending hole in the organisation’s bank account.
Waikato Women’s Refuge, Te Whakaruruhau is a not-forprofit organisation that is not fully funded by government.
It is with the help and support of the community that they can keep looking after victims of domestic violence, provide education, and drive public policy.
Denny said the op shop’s establishment had been rolling along slowly.
The store will be open weekdays from 9am-3pm with the hopes to open weekends provided they have enough handson-deck.
‘‘We appreciate volunteers,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s very crucial to have the manpower.’’
Waikato Women’s Refuge chief executive Roni Albert said they wanted to gain permission from the community to sell their donated goods in the store. our
She said some people just want to donate to families, but now have the chance to donate items to the Grateful store.
‘‘It’s set up to generate revenue and to give back to the community.’’
Waikato Women’s Refuge is New Zealand’s largest women’s refuge organisation and has been operating in Hamilton for almost 30 years.
Their services support between 200 to 300 families per year.
Albert said fundraising initiatives were very important for the refuge’s survival.
They will hold ‘The Life and Music of Vera Lynn’ on Sunday, November 6 at 2.30pm. Held at the Cathedral of The Blessed Virgin Mary, the 90-minute show will bring together the songs and memories of an era. Their largest fundraiser, Saving Rose, is also planned for February next year with all money raised going towards the operating costs and services they provide.
To volunteer at Grateful, visit: www.waikatowomensrefuge.co.nz/volunteer or phone Clare on 07 855 1569.