If you are in a bit of a rut and want to kick-start a ‘new you’, why not volunteer at a Hospice East Rand Charity Shop?

Volunteering has multiple benefits, such as learning new skills, making friends, giving something back and strengthening your connection with the community.

Charity shops are a happy place for those who love thrifting and uncovering treasure someone else previously loved, so imagine the thrill of spending your free time in a shop filled with second-hand books, jewellery, clothing, bric ‘n brac and furniture.

Isabella Pretorius, the Hospice East Rand volunteer coordinator, says the organisation always needs volunteers and has a lovely way of looking at their volunteers.

“Volunteers are just ordinary people with extraordinary hearts. They offer the gift of time to help, inspire, build, and grow.

“They expect no pay, yet the value of their work knows no limits. They have known the unexpected joy of a simple hug and have planted tiny seeds of love in countless lives. Together, volunteers make a difference that lasts a lifetime.”

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About volunteering for Hospice East Rand
Hospice East Rand has 10 charity shop locations in Ekurhuleni – Benoni, Boksburg, Edenvale, Germiston and Kempton Park.

The function of a charity shop volunteer includes:
• Assisting the manager
• Serving customers in a friendly and helpful manner
• Help to unpack, sort and price mark donations.

Time commitment
Ideally, you should be able to volunteer two to four hours once a week on a weekday. The charity shops are open from 09:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and from 09:00 to 12:30 on Saturdays. Two to three people are always on duty.

“Volunteers should have a friendly, positive and approachable manner, be able to follow instructions, be flexible, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and have their own transport,” Isabella said.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Isabella on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings at 011 422 1531 or email volunteerservices@hospiceeastrand.co.za

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