Opportunity to volunteer

Volunteering to help people with a disability, from left, Julie, Kath, Diane, Shirley and supervisor Leonie Kandelaars. 120055_01 Picture: KATH GANNAWAY

By KATH GANNAWAY

OPPORTUNITY means more than just a bargain for shoppers at St John of God opportunity shops.
According to Wandin Opportunity Shop supervisor Leonie Kandelaars, there are many opportunities for people who give their time and energy to step behind the counter as volunteers.
Leonie has been a volunteer at Wandin for 13 years and says she started because she wanted to give something back to the community.
The SJGA opportunity shops started more than 30 years ago.
There are now four shops around Croydon and one at Wandin whose proceeds help provide services to people with a disability in the eastern and northern suburbs of Melbourne.
“We’re here for St John of God so we’re helping people with disabilities, and we’re also providing a service to people in the wider community,” Leonie said.
“We know where the funds go, and for myself, I thoroughly enjoy working with our wonderful volunteers in the shop and meeting the public,” she said.
SJGA shops manager, Robert Dobin, said they were looking for more volunteers to join the SJGA opportunity shops teams.
“Volunteering is a rewarding experience and the time our volunteers contribute is highly valued within the organisation,” he said.
Anyone who can help should contact Mr Dobin on 8804 4649.