For Naomi Williamson, 43, a participant at Anglicare’s Disability Services, the opening of Anglicare’s new recycled clothing retail store at Jamison Centre in Macquarie on Tuesday 13 February at 5pm means more than a new shopping experience. Naomi is one of two disability services participants who have found employment with the opening of the new store.
Anglicare’s new retail store supervisor, Isla Smith, is delighted to see such interest in the store already. “While we love providing an ethical and affordable shopping option for people, we really love seeing the community connection that a space like this promotes,” says Isla. “Being able to offer employment and volunteer opportunities to a range of people is also something that we are very intentional about. Inclusiveness is an important value within our team.”
For Naomi, an avid walker who often walks to and from Anglicare’s Disability Centre, the opportunity to work at the new Anglicare Retail store provides another avenue for her to meet people and be connected with the community. “I feel so excited about my new job,” says Naomi. “I want to work 5 days a week but I’m not working on weekends.”
Anglicare’s Jamison retail store will be the fourth to open in the region which already includes shops in Queanbeyan, Fyshwick, and Phillip. Proceeds from stores go to support vulnerable local families who need extra support through Anglicare’s other community programs. The new store will open to the public from Wednesday 14 February and will operate 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Clothing donations are welcomed and bins are located at most local Anglican parishes.
At the beginning of March, Anglicare’s flagship Bargain Hunter store also relocated from Monaro St to 170 Crawford St in Queanbeyan with a new name – Anglicare Retail. The Food Fair service is also opening for extended hours at the new location which now provides affordable groceries six days a week, Monday to Friday between 9am-5pm and Saturday 9.30am-2.30pm.
Jan Farrington, who has been volunteering at the Food Fair service for the last seven months is excited about the changes. “People from different walks of life access the food service – older people, young mothers and single people. Many are struggling a great deal. Sometimes we have over 40 visits per day,” says Jan. “I feel very blessed in my life, and volunteering like this and seeing the difference it can make in a person’s life is such a privilege.”
Jamison store supervisor, Isla, with new employee, Naomi.
Jan, Food Fair volunteer in Queanbeyan
