Meet Tania (IVM Day 2020 spotlight)

Hannah Cunningham from Volunteer Marlborough

Continuing our series on local managers of volunteers for International Volunteer Managers' Day 2020...
Introducing Tania, the wonderful Store Manager at the Blenheim Salvation Army Family Store!

- Tell us about how you first got involved with the Salvation Army Family Store? The family store was advertising in the church newsletter for volunteers. I was, at the time, working full-time but was happy to go on a monthly roster to help out on a Saturday morning.

- What was your first impression?
It felt like I had walked into a normal retail store. The shop was set out really nicely and it smelled fresh. I have memories of going into op shops in my teenage years and the shops smelled musty (old moth ball smell) which was not inviting.

- What has surprised you most about working with the Family Store? The dedication of those who volunteer their time freely with us. Two of our volunteers have been here for 17 years. One of them is 83 years old now and has faithfully kept her 2 shifts every week since she started, only taking time off if she was unwell. Our staff lead busy lives outside of their work here but they give it 100% and more when here.

- What's the best thing to happen since you started working here? The move to our new shop in Redwood Street. It is a lovely, modern shop that has a great feel to it! Our back sorting room is also much bigger and user-friendly so it's been a big plus all round for us.

Read the full story on our website by clicking the read more button below.
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