By Emily-Rose Toohey
Red Cross Australia is a humanitarian aid and community services charity, and its Warwick store has faced a shortage of volunteers recently.
Red Cross retail area manager Graeme English said that some long standing volunteers have reached retirement age and the Warwick base is finding it more difficult to attract volunteers to take their places.
“Covid has changed the nature of how people think about volunteering, and some people are reluctant to do face to face things,” Graeme said.
“Most of our volunteers are in the higher risk age groups, which is also a factor.”
He said that the main target volunteer demographic is between 50 and 65 years of age, who are retired or semi-retired.
“They should also be flexible and able to commit to a roster – there’s a minimum of 4 hours of volunteering per week, but it’s not limited to this,” Graeme said.
The local store is opened from Monday to Friday and Graeme is hoping an increase of volunteers will allow Red Cross to also open on weekends.
“These retail stores, including Warwick, sell a range of recycled clothing and all funds raised will go towards supporting Red Cross’ work,” Graeme said.
“That’s what volunteers are contributing towards, alongside attaining retail skills – there’s also a social aspect with the other volunteers.”
Carol Newton, Mary Newman, and Marlene Bugeia are some of these volunteers who comprise of the Wednesday team.
Carol and Mary said they have been volunteering for over ten years and Marlene said she has volunteered for seven years.
“You learn a lot and I really enjoy doing retail,” Marlene said.
“I recommend that interested people should come and try it out.”
Mary said that the experience has been a worthwhile one.
“You meet really nice people, you get to interact with the public, and it feels like you’re contributing something to the community,” she said.
Mary and Carol both volunteer for four hours each week, and Marlene volunteers on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Graeme said that anyone interested in applying are welcome to do so, whether they are in the 50 to 65 year old age group or between 16 and 80.
“You can go to the store itself or jump on the website and apply online – there’s only a quick interview,” he said.
Red Cross Warwick is located at Rose City Shoppingworld, with entry via Grafton Street.
