Get to know the incredible volunteers
Meet Sue Ellen
Sue is a dedicated and passionate volunteer at the OzChild Op Shop, joining the team in 2003 at the invitation of a friend. Sue instantly fell in love with the shop and the opportunity to meet new people, and ever since, has been considered a valued member of the team, contributing greatly to the shop’s success over the years.
Sue’s leadership skills and experience in retail have been instrumental in guiding the team of volunteers to raise the standards of the shop, making it more inviting and engaging for customers.
Sue sees herself as a change-maker within the team, using her skills and values to make a positive impact.
“And the team of volunteers at the shop are always willing to help customers in any way they can, even by providing support to those in need, there really is a community focus amongst us all.”
Throughout her time as a volunteer at the OzChild Op Shop, Sue has had many experiences where her volunteering efforts made a significant difference in someone’s life. One such instance was when an individual who was experiencing homelessness came into the shop in need of a coat to stay warm from the cold. When he disclosed to Sue his troubles and how he was feeling suicidal, Sue and the team invited him in for a cuppa and a chat, helping him to access some support services.
This small gesture made all the difference, showing them, they are not alone, and there are people who care.
“On that day, I truly felt like I had achieved something great; it always makes me happy just caring for people,” remembers Sue.
Sue is committed to making a positive impact in the world beyond volunteering, and one of the ways she does this is by supporting various other charities that align with her values.
Sue Ellen Norton“If everyone did a little bit for others without expecting anything in return, the world would be a better place.”
Meet Margaret
Margaret joined the OzChild Op Shop in 2013 after being invited by a fellow volunteer to fill in temporarily. With time Margaret grew to love the work and the team of volunteers at the OzChild Op Shop, and as a result, she quickly became a full-time volunteer.
Despite not having retail experience, Margaret sees herself as a change-maker within the team, supporting the ideas that benefit the shop and the cause it supports. She takes great joy in seeing these ideas come to life and in contributing to the overall success of the shop.
Margaret believes that volunteering at the Op Shop has a positive impact on the community. She notes that the simple act of being friendly and welcoming to customers can have a significant impact on their well-being, particularly in a world that can be lonely. Even a small act of kindness, like giving a book for free to children who visit the shop, she believes has the potential to make a big difference in the lives of those who visit the shop. By giving a free book, she is helping to empower the next generation with valuable skills that can improve their lives in the future.
As a volunteer, Margaret sees herself as contributing to a larger movement of change makers who seek to create positive change in the world. She believes that volunteering is a powerful way to make a difference, and she takes pride in being part of a team of people who are dedicated to serving others.
Margaret Bland“It gives me a great positive feeling. For all the bad news we hear and see in the world, we still have people who do good quietly to make a difference in the world. There are still people who think about humanity and not just money.”
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Acknowledgement of Country
OzChild acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work. We acknowledge their cultures are living ones, which relate to their ongoing connection to all things living and non-living on land, sea and sky.
We pay our respect to Elders past and present.
May the children of today lead us to a brighter tomorrow.
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