Villa op shop news

13 September 2018

13 Sep 2018

It’s been a busy few months across our four Villa op shops.

Heathmont op shop volunteer Maddison Lacey (below right) was among many young volunteers celebrated during National Student Volunteer Week in August.

Maddison began volunteering at Heathmont four years ago as part of her year nine studies but chose to stay on while completing her nursing degree at Australian Catholic University.

“Volunteering is a good break from studying. It doesn’t take up much of your time and it’s been heaps of fun getting to know all the other ladies (volunteers) and becoming friends,” Maddison said.

“I think these days we (young people) do a lot for ourselves and it’s good to get involved out in the community and help others.”

Bron Summers, Senior Manager Volunteer Services and Opportunity Shops, said student volunteers brought “wonderful energy and enthusiasm” to their roles, which included social visits within aged and disability services, and customer service within op shops.

“Our older members of the VMCH community enjoy chatting to young volunteers. This brings real happiness to them as they see the world through younger eyes and can often reflect on their own time growing up.”

Meanwhile, VMCH proudly launched our first Mobile Op Shop (above) during August.

Staff members enjoyed selling pre-loved goods from our four stores at pop-up op shops within our aged care residences across Victoria.

“Everyone loves a bargain, but circumstances mean some people can’t physically make it to our stores so we brought the shops to them,” said Bron.

“The smiles on the residents’ faces have been priceless, especially when they realise they can afford pretty much anything!”

Our op shop teams are currently preparing for one of their busiest times of the year. Op Shop Week, running from September 30 to October 6, will see fantastic promotions held within our stores. We also join calls for more quality donations of clothing and household goods to be made to op shops across the country.

Villa op shoppers may have also noticed some new donation tins (above) in our stores over the past few months. We hope to see customers’ small change create a big change for older people living in our aged care communities.

If you’d like to know more about volunteering with us, please call 1800 036 377 or email volunteers@vmch.com.au

Want to visit one of our stores or donate some pre-loved goods? Find us here.

Intergenerational volunteering program brings joy

A safe haven for men’s health

Pastoral care at end-of-life a vital support

Pastoral Care: providing emotional and spiritual support

Shanagolden Celebrates Milestones and Blessings

Affordable homes for life

Older migrants need more housing support

Homelessness Week: affordable homes a lifeline for Helen

A trip down memory lane

A little lost? Start here.

Locating the information you need has become far easier with our useful guide. Answer a few simple questions and you will be on your way.

Not sure where to start?

→

Who needs our services?

I am here for
someone else I am here
for myself I am
looking for a job

Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.