Money raised through Doncare’s opportunity shops fund services to help the most disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the local community.
Doncare operates two opportunity shops in the cities of Manningham and Whitehorse that raise substantial funds for Doncare programs.
Stores are located in Mitcham and Templestowe Village. Click here for map locations and opening hours.
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Together, we recycle new and pre-loved items, provide opportunities through volunteering to develop work skills, improve language and meet friends, all whilst raising funds to support disadvantaged people in our community.
Volunteers are an integral component to the success of this program and contribute over 1,154 hours of volunteering per week (57,700 hours per year).
Doncare’s op shop volunteers range in age between 18 and 90+ years with extensive life experiences. Everyone volunteers for different reasons. Some people wish to improve their English, others are wanting to develop skills to return to work, give back to the community, or develop friendships. In addition to volunteering at the shop or depot, many volunteers take on extra responsibilities by being a member of the shop committee to oversee the day-to-day running of the shop. We have also recruited volunteers who have particular skills that the Op Shops Program can utilise, for example, a handyman (a retired builder/carpenter) to assist with repairs and maintenance in the shops and depot.
The depot volunteers perform a variety of tasks including electrical testing, recycling metals, furniture pickups, and delivery to customers.
Doncare highly values its volunteers whatever their skills and experience and acknowledges that without them, we would not be able to raise the income we do for the programs Doncare operates. One such volunteer is Loris who started volunteering 35 years ago in Doncare’s first opportunity shop in Burke Road in 1982. Doncare is incredibly grateful to Loris for 35 years of hard work and commitment to the Opportunity Shops Program and to each and every volunteer.
Our National Volunteer Week function provides an opportunity to thank our op shop volunteers and recognise their contribution to raising funds for the organisation’s suite of services. Read more...
Whilst the op shops provide practical support to those in need, the primary focus is raising funds to support Doncare’s programs. Read more in our Annual Reports.
Doncare values and appreciates the generous donations from the public and businesses who donate new and preloved items that we can sell to our customers. Find out more
Individuals and businesses can become involved in the Op Shops Program in many ways, by donating their skills, time, and new and preloved goods. Doncare sincerely thanks all those who have assisted in these ways and welcomes their contribution and support in 2022. If you would like to join the chorus of volunteers you can find more information on how to apply here
Doncare programs and services support the community across all life stages, assisting:
- families with babies or young children experiencing parenting difficulties
- low-income families experiencing financial hardship
- isolated elderly residents
- children, youth, and adult counselling
- women and children who have experienced family violence.