Salvos Stores

Salvos Stores Mitchell

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:05:00 +1100

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Salvos Stores Mitchell

Alistair Coe MLA – Member for Ginninderra

Visits Salvos Stores Mitchell

Mr Coe visits Salvos Stores MITCHELL after receiving an invitation from two volunteers, Judy & Sue.

Impressed with the work by staff and volunteers at Salvos Stores Mitchell, Mr Coe delivered the following speech to his fellow members of the Legislative Assembly for the ACT.

Judy (volunteer), Karen (Store Manager) and Sue (volunteer)

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Salvos at the Canberra Show

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:48:00 +1100

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Salvos at the Canberra Show

Did you go to the recent Canberra Show?

Sally made her presence known amidst cups of tea and scones, show bags, balloons, fabulous singing from the band and much more. The show has ended but the fun hasn't at ACT and Quenbeyan Salvos Stores. For every "like" on facebook.com/MySalvosStores, the customer received a voucher which entitles them to 50% discount on three Sally items in Salvos Stores.

To top off a fabulous show off. The Salvos stand won best stand.

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Loyalty Card

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:59:00 +1100

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Loyalty Card

Show your loyalty and be rewarded.. Salvos Stores offer their loyal customers special discounts through a loyalty card program so further savings can be gained on our already low prices. Ask your local store staff member for your card and start saving more today!

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A personal account of the Queensland Floods

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:42:00 +1100

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A personal account of the Queensland Floods

A personal account of the Queensland Floods by Gwen Malone.

This is an account of Gwen's experience when the Queensland flood hit Bundamba in January 2011.

"I have been the manager of the Salvos Stores at Bundamba for eight and a half years, and I was deeply saddened by the news that the store had been inundated by flood water to a depth of 2 metres.

In any retail store the majority of the stock is located less than 2 metres from the floor, and ours was no exception. Bundamba Salvos Store is a very large store of 1000 square metres there was an enormous amount of donations waiting to be sorted.

The height of the flood water and the force of it destroyed everything in the store. Fixtures, fittings, stock, records, carpets...everything!

Cleaning up was a mammoth task and I cried out for help. I contacted our local radio station, the mayor’s office and our local councillor and asked for willing workers to come and help the Salvos. The response was amazing.

On Saturday 15^th January, 2011, 93 helpers turned up. Everyone put on their boots and gloves and set to work. It was a wonderful place to be seeing everyone working happily together. Two men drove their utes all day and at lunch time a man came with his bobcat, and then phoned a mate to come with his bobcat to help too.

By 5.15pm, the store was completely emptied. A task that should have taken weeks was completed in just one working day …. thanks to our fellow Australians.

By the following Monday morning the store was set up as a Flood Relief Centre giving clothing, food, furniture, white goods and household items to those devastated by the floods. The donations we distributed came from all overAustralia, as far away asPerthandTasmania.

Volunteers came to help us sort and distribute these goods. A vital part of their work was listening to stories of those who came, wiping away tears, and giving hugs to let the flood victims know they were not alone.

People from interstate took part of their annual leave and flew to Brisbane at their own cost to help for a while. One company had their apprentices from all overAustraliaat a school inBrisbaneand donated their labour for a day.

Another company sent all of their work vans full of donations and then allowed us the use of their vans for the day.

During this time, The Salvation Army was able to help over 2000 people just from this one centre.

I asked one of my helpers why he had decided to come to help and his reply was; “I heard you on the radio asking for help. Over the years, you have helped others. Now it’s our turn to help the Salvos!”

There is a well known saying “Thank God for the Salvos” I add to that today and I say “Thank God for Queenslanders and all Australians”.

Gwen Malone is now the Store Manager of Salvos Stores Archerfield.

Our Archerfield store reopens Thursday, 10^th November at 9am. Ten months after this store was also flooded.

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'Still Standing'

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:03:00 +1100

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'Still Standing'

An open letter from Paul Moulds AM (Major), Director - Mission and Resources Social

5 December 2011

Dear Friend,

It has now been almost 12 months since the tragic events that enveloped Queensland in January 2011.

The Salvation Army has been privileged to meet many of those affected by the devastating floods and cyclone in places all around the great state of Queensland and in north NSW.

We acknowledge the courage, resilience and determination of these survivors. We have heard so many stories, met so many amazing people and have been privileged to stand beside many as they have fought back.

As we considered what more The Salvation Army could do to support people into the future, we were inspired to produce a film that we believe will help many. The DVD, known as ‘Still Standing’, tells the stories of three Australians, each of whom were caught up in natural disasters, experienced heart breaking loss as a result, but found a way to be still standing. None of them has had an easy journey. Their stories are difficult to hear, yet each inspires hope that recovery is possible.

In addition, one of Australia's leading trauma experts, psychologist Dr Rob Gordon, is featured on the DVD sharing his own warm, highly engaging wisdom and learnings from helping countless numbers of people find a path to recovery. His advice will be invaluable, and he shares tips not only for helping adults, but also teenagers and children.

It is our honour to share this gift with anyone who has been affected by a natural disaster. We do so at a time when people are approaching the 12 month anniversary of the 2011 events inQueensland, and many will be feeling particularly tender and possibly fearful. We trust that this small gift will be a reminder to those affected that they are never alone, others have shared similar experiences and found a way through, and most importantly that they are thought of and valued by their fellow Australians.

To supplement the DVD, The Salvation Army has established a dedicated website at stillstanding.org.au where the film can be viewed online or a copy ordered (or you may also call 13 SALVOS – 13 72 58 – to order a copy. On the website you will also find further resources, and a forum for people to share their own unique stories and insights with others.

Finally, The Salvation Army is grateful to the millions of Australians who entrusted us with resources to help those who have been so significantly affected by these natural disasters. We have been humbled by this outpouring of generosity and it has been our privilege to share these gifts with many Queenslanders. We are particularly grateful to the well known Australian company who fully funded this project, but who has asked to remain anonymous.

We send you our warmest Christmas greetings, our assurance of ongoing prayers and support. And we share our belief in the capacity of everyone to live every day, "still standing."

Please forward this email to anyone you know who may benefit, and help us to get the word out to people in flood or cyclone affected areas – or anyone else who has been affected by a disaster.

God bless

Paul Moulds AM (Major)
Director - Mission and Resources Social
The Salvation Army
Australian Eastern Territory

Copies of the 'Still Standing' DVD are available from all Brisbane Salvos Stores or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).

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Reopening After Brisbane Floods

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:55:00 +1100

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Reopening After Brisbane Floods

SALVOS STORES ARCHERFIELD REOPENING AFTER BRISBANE FLOODS

After being absolutely devastated by the Brisbane floods, The Salvation Army will reopen its Salvos Store at Archerfield on Thursday November 10th at 9am, dedicating the opening to the countless volunteers who have helped rebuild the store.

The store was inundated with a metre and a half of flood waters and was hit with mud, slush and rubbish during the flood crisis.

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Lan Hoa Ha

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:44:00 +1100

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Lan Hoa Ha

Lan Hoa Ha, Volunteer at Canley Heights Salvos Store

“All my colleagues call me Flower because it is very difficult to pronounce my Vietnamese name ‘Hoa’. I love it because it makes me feel special.”

“It has not been easy initially coming from Vietnam. I lived in a refugee camp and first landed in Wollongong where my husband worked in the steel industry. Later I came to Cabramatta and learned to speak English”

“I also recently studied English at TAFE and working at Salvos Stores gives me more opportunities to speak English. I enjoy working at Canley Heights Salvos Store not only because it is close to home, but my colleagues are very kind. They support what I do. I love talking to customers and I can blossom like a flower!”

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A Sight To Behold

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:21:00 +1000

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A Sight To Behold

Story courtesy of duomagazine.com.au

Interview Carly Lubicz Photographs Andrew Rankin

SHE HAS COOKED FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN, PAID HOME VISITS TO THE ELDERLY, COUNSELLED DISTRESSED CALLERS AT LIFELINE AND NOW SORTS THE CLOTHES RACKS FOR THE SALVATION ARMY SALVOS STORE. ASTOUNDINGLY, VAL BRADSHAW- NOW 73-HAS DONE ALL THIS TOTALLY BLIND.

VAL BRADSHAW

I lost my eyesight when I was 28. I was born with retinitis pigmentosa, but at the time I didn't know I had it -I just thought I couldn't see so well and couldn't play sport because I couldn't track the ball. That condition caused me to develop glaucoma and then cataracts. One day I woke up and had no sight in my left eye. I had an operation, but that left me with only 1/350th sight in my right eye too. So I was 28 and couldn't see anything with six children under 12 to care for (another child arrived a couple of years later, taking the total to seven). When I came home from hospital after the operation I asked my husband if he'd done dinner and he said he'd bought some steaks and thought I could make a casserole; so I did. I always said I could cook with my eyes closed so that proved it! My husband came from an era where men didn't do housework and when you have little children you can't just stop. Plus I didn't like to be beaten. I won't pretend it wasn't exceptionally hard to adjust- it takes a lot of determination, courage and backbone to overcome any disability, but if you work at something hard enough you can achieve it. I've never really injured myself, except the one time I broke the bridge of my nose bending down to pick up a mat - I cracked it on the back of a chair. I'd always had a bit of a 'Jewish nose', so I managed to flatten it! I have volunteered for 30 years now and love it. Being blind, there's not a lot I can do to help, but there are some things I can do. I was a phone counsellor for Lifeline for 10 years, did ironing at St Vincent de Paul for 13 years, cooked for street kids and fetes and visited elderly people in their homes. I've been at the Salvation Army Salvos Store for three years now sorting the clothes racks and making sure everything is in the right place, and I love it here. They have the nicest people and it suits me because I thoroughly enjoy making things tidy. If I was being paid I wouldn't come -I'm helping because I want to and I'm glad of the people who've helped me.

ANNEROSE DIETRICH

Val was already at the Salvation Army Salvos Store when I started here at Cannon Park two years ago as a volunteer and since then we have become good friends. She is amazingly independent and just does everything like a person with full sight, so we tend to forget she's blind. She can tell the size of a garment just by feeling it and she surprised our area manager once by sending her an email. Val doesn't surprise me at all anymore- she's just the type of person that if she wants to do something she'll do it. I don't know if I could have done what she's done if I was in her situation, but then I suppose you never do unless you're there. We're all very grateful to have her here.

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Mita Barot

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:29:00 +1100

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Mita Barot

A MOVING TALE

Migrating to a foreign country is never easy yet for thousands of new arrivals every year, Australia is a very foreign country. Our freedoms, informality and way of life are, quite literally, worlds apart from what many are accustomed to. Despite the difficulties most fit in, over time, but for many the private struggles last for years.

Mita Barot arrived from India in 1993 with her husband, two children and their worldly possessions in four bags. Eventually they found a place to live in Sydney’s sprawling western suburbs and began the daunting task of trying to fit into their strange, new world.

“It was very hard for me to go out and find work when we first got here because I was a housewife back in India and had no other experience. Eight months after arriving I finally started working one day a week for the Salvos. I worked as a sorter, and that was very hard at first,” Mita said.

“There were six of us working at the sorting table, when I started. There were so many different things coming through and I didn’t know what haberdashery, oddments or manchester was! These words were all too new for me and I was always having to ask the other sorters, who’d been there longer than me, what things were and where they went. I think sometimes they got sick of me asking and sometimes I’m sure I made them laugh, but they were all very supportive and over time I got the hang of it,”

“Everyone at the Salvos was so nice and gave me lots of encouragement. They also taught me about the power of positive thinking and helped build my self-confidence back up. The people in management also gave me good support when I had problems, from time-to-time, and told me that family always comes first. They told me that if I needed anything, just yell out. I kept thinking how lucky I was and it was very comforting to know I had such caring people around me.”

Mita has now been with the Salvos for 17 years and works five days a week at our Marayong Salvos Store. When asked if there were other services the Salvos provide that she’d like more people to know about, she nominated the drug and alcohol counselling service as a real stand-out.

“I’m so glad I work with the Salvos. I can help the community and although I can’t help out with much money, I still give my good service.” Mita concluded, happily.

Did you know that by shopping at your local Salvos Stores you are helping provide every week…

100,000 meals for the hungry
2,000 beds for the homeless
Up to 8,000 food vouchers
1,000 people with assistance in finding employment
Refuge to 500 victims of abuse
Assistance to 500 people addicted to drugs, alcohol or gambling
Several thousand people with counselling
3,000 elderly people with aged care services
40 people in the court system with chaplaincy services
Family tracing services which locate 40 missing family members

To find out more about your local Salvos Store visit www. salvos.org.au/stores or call 02 9999 5735

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Dr Teresita Canja

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:23:00 +1100

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Dr Teresita Canja

Dr Teresita Canja, Volunteer at Seven Hills Salvos Store

“I am a retired General Practitioner from The Philippines. By volunteering at Salvos Stores I have learned to live a simple and generous life. I’ve also learned to maintain a low profile.”

“I enjoy meeting with people of different nationalities. I feel happy working with the wonderful staff members especially Leslie and Carol. They look after me very well.”

“One day one of my patients saw me working at Seven Hills Salvos Store and she exclaimed “Why are you working here Doctor?!” She admonished me and insisted that as a GP I should not have to volunteer! I insisted that I am very proud to be connected to the Salvos.”

“Indeed, volunteering at Salvos Store has changed my outlook on life. It has affirmed my belief of being service to others and that it is better to give than to receive.”

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Grace Zhu

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:22:00 +1100

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Grace Zhu

Grace Zhu, Store Manager at North Parramatta Salvos Store

“I came from Shanghai, a growing city of many millions where things are bright, glossy and beautiful. You can imagine it is quite an adjustment dealing with second hand goods at Salvos Stores.”

“I have come to appreciate the value of recycling. It is important and the responsibility of everyone to recycle where they can. It not only saves money but it reduces waste and saves the environment.”

“I have also developed a knack of being very resourceful. You have to be creative because you often don’t always have the very thing you need when you want it, especially when you don’t want to run to the shop and buy it new. Armed with this skill, I often surprise customers with my solutions to their needs, which gives me a lot of satisfaction.”

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Marian Kaczorowski

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:22:00 +1100

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Marian Kaczorowski

Marian Kaczorowski, Store Manager from Campbelltown

“I arrived in Australia in 1981 from Poland. One day I saw an advertisement in the window while walking past Ingleburn Salvos Store. I applied for the position of a store assistant and that’s how my journey with the Salvos started.”

“I’ve learned to value people and live a life of integrity. I’ve learned so much from my team of volunteers too. They give of themselves unconditionally.”

“I’m so blessed to able to work on the coal face of the community. An elderly customer comes in everyday of the week to say hello. She calls us her Salvos family! Another person comes in to donate regularly because when she was at the bottom of her life, the Salvos was there for her.”

“Life is full when you give unconditionally, and the rewards are great. Salvos Stores is the best place to start. And don’t forget to smile.”

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Sophaly Phok

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:21:00 +1100

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Sophaly Phok

Sophaly Phok, Volunteer at Canley Heights Salvos Store

Nicked name Sophie.

“I arrived in Australia in 1983. I lost all my family members in Cambodia. Six sisters and a brother were killed by members of Khmer Rouge.”

“Life was becoming better in Australia when I met another fellow Cambodian and married him. We have two children, but when the youngest was just one month old, he decided to return to Cambodia. I struggled as a single mum having to raise two kids and a mortgage burden to carry!”

“I come to volunteer at Canley Heights Salvos Store as my first work experience ever in Australia. I was nervous and thought my English would not be good enough! However from day one, my fears were put to rest because everyone was friendly and kind. I felt very safe at Salvos Store.”

“I feel I have found a new freedom. I love working here and I love my new friends. Thank you Salvos Stores”

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Tae Woo Kang

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:21:00 +1100

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Tae Woo Kang

Tae Woo Kang, Volunteer at Seven Hills Salvos Store

“I was born in Korea and our family migrated overseas when I was 11 years old. I am a uni student and volunteer at Salvos Stores two to three days a week.”

“I searched the internet to find an organisation for some volunteer work. I like to gain some local work experience and at the same time I have a great desire to understand the society I live in. I emailed a few organisations and Salvos Store is the quickest to respond and that’s how I started over a year ago.”

“Growing up in a middle class family, I do not know many people from different ethnic backgrounds. I find it fascinating that people can speak their minds so freely and at the same time they are understanding and tolerant. It opens up my horizon on the view of society.”

“I’ve also come face to face with people who are in need and get a taste of the raw emotions of hardship. I feel the work I do at Salvos Stores is on the front line and I gain first hand experience in social welfare. I am proud to be in a position to contribute to the community.”

“Salvos Store has a great family atmosphere and it is a great place to invest your time and money as you will be making a difference in the local community.”

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Oscar and Ester Viola

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:21:00 +1100

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Oscar and Ester Viola

Oscar and Ester Viola, Volunteers at Seven Hills Salvos Store

“We arrived in Australia from the Philippines in 1989. We’ve worked hard in the retail and banking industries and have retired.”

“Salvos Store is a very welcoming place and a great place to shop for everyday household essentials. We are privileged to be able to help new Australians settle in having been in a similar position ourselves many years ago.”

“There’s a warm family atmosphere here. As a retired couple, it is useless sitting at home twiddling our thumbs. We put our hands to good use and we make so many friends here. We have been volunteering for three years now and we call Salvos Stores our second home.”

“It is here we fill ourselves with love, peace, joy and enthusiasm. It rejuvenates us and makes us feel and look younger! Our friends ask us what’s the secret of looking young? We say ….. volunteering at Salvos Stores !!”

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