Op Shop Retail Assistant (Volunteer)

**Organisational Background**

Sewing for Charity Australia is a grassroots charity that supports vulnerable Australians through the creation and donation of handmade items, community connection initiatives and sustainable textile reuse programs. Through its social enterprise, The Sewing Lair, the organisation collects and redistributes donated fabric, yarn and craft supplies to help reduce textile waste while funding charitable programs and providing affordable creative resources to the community.

The Op Shop Retail Assistant (Volunteer) role supports these efforts by helping sort, process and prepare donated materials for reuse, resale and redistribution. Volunteers play an important role in sustainability, community engagement and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for volunteers, makers and customers alike.

**Key Responsibilities**

Op Shop Retail Assistants are responsible for a range of duties, including:

- Providing friendly and helpful customer service, including serving and engaging with customers
- Sorting, pricing and maintaining the presentation of stock to a high standard
- Operating the cash register, including cash handling and EFTPOS transactions
- Maintaining a clean, organised and welcoming shop environment, including general tidying of stock
- Undertaking light cleaning and housekeeping duties as required
- Supporting overall store operations and completing additional tasks as directed by the Shift Leader

**Key Attributes & Requirements**

- No prior fabric, yarn or craft knowledge required; however, a willingness to learn is essential and existing knowledge is highly regarded
- Physical Requirements: Volunteers must be physically able to stand or sit for their shift, have good mobility, and lift donation boxes.
- Computer Literacy: You should be comfortable reading and responding to emails

**Benefits of Volunteering with The Sewing Lair**

- Be part of a welcoming, safe and inclusive community space for people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and abilities
- Meet like-minded people and develop friendships and community connections
- Learn about fabrics, sewing, craft supplies and sustainable textile reuse practices
- Contribute to reducing textile waste and keeping valuable materials out of landfill
- Support the charitable work of Sewing for Charity Australia and help make a positive impact in the community
- Develop transferable skills suitable for resumes, employment pathways, study and work experience programs
- Flexible volunteering opportunities with a variety of tasks suited to different interests, abilities and experience levels
- Be part of a creative and purpose-driven environment where every contribution is valued and appreciated

...and receive 50% off at any of our fabric and craft opshops!

** Category **
Arts & Culture

** Commitment **
Regular - less than 6 months

** Type Of Work **
Retail & Sales,

** Time Required **
You will be asked to attend a 1 hour induction at a mutually suitable time.

Shifts are then rostered 9:30am-2:30pm Mon-Sat. We welcome weekly or fortnightly volunteering.

** Training **
Each volunteer completes 6 shifts buddying with an experienced volunteer and refresher training once a year. Additional training as needed is also available.