The volunteers behind charity op shop

news The volunteers behind charity op shop

BY GRAEME WILSON

COOROY’S Katie Rose Cottage retail store aims to be the place where everybody knows your name.

Everyone working there makes a point of getting to know the many regulars, with some return visitors simply coming in to say hello.

In a recent changing of the guard, long-time store volunteer Monique Toner has taken over the retail manager’s role from the retiring Sheryl Hill, but that commitment to old-fashioned service remains unchanged.

A much-loved member of the Cooroy community, Sheryl worked at the store for five years and during that time, played a leading role in the continued success of both the store and the Katie Rose Cottage Hospice Charity it supports.

Monique said a key reason for stepping up as full-time manager was to maintain the core values Sheryl instilled.

“It’s always been so beautiful working in the shop and I didn’t want that to change.

“I actually took on the job because some of the volunteers have been here so long (many are now aged in their 70s) and I thought it was important that things didn’t change too much.”

Like anyone taking on a new management role, Monique is keen to keep the store growing and evolving, but any changes will avoid breaking anything that doesn’t need fixing.

Teamwork plays a big part in the store’s operations, and one thing Monique has implemented since taking over at the end of January is to put volunteers in charge of different areas.

“As a team, we’re working on what changes we may make,” she said.

“Putting different people in charge of different areas gives them a bit of ownership. It’s definitely a team thing.”

Giving “old-fashioned service” is very important to everyone involved.

“We do things like helping people to the car with their purchases – we just pride ourselves on looking after our customers,” Monique said.

Like Sheryl before her, Monique is keen to acknowledge and embrace the magnificent support of the Cooroy community.

“We definitely have so much support from the community here. That’s just Cooroy.

“It makes it so lovely to work here, all the volunteers love working here. It’s just a really nice atmosphere.”

Along with two other Katie Rose op shops and a furniture warehouse on the Sunshine Coast, proceeds from sales and donations at the Cooroy store go towards the running of the palliative care facility at Doonan.

Being associated with such a loving, compassionate service provided to the community at no cost (their gift to the community) brings joy to the hearts of the Cooroy team.

“It’s a lovely place with the most beautiful energy. They will take care of any need and they really look after the families,” Monique said.

Cooroy volunteer Denise O’Neill previously worked at the hospice said the families often showed their gratitude by making generous donations as they wanted to “give back” to the hospice for its loving care.

“One lady came in recently on the anniversary of her husband’s death and made a cash donation and she does that every year.”

Many of Katie Rose’s 300 volunteers across the Coast have had friends or family transition at the hospice.

“You wouldn’t want to be anywhere else when it’s your time – we all reckon we’re paying it forward,” Denise said.

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