“Everything will end up here sooner or later!” declared longtime Community Helpers volunteer, Peter Tate.
Take some time to browse the rows of the new Nuriootpa warehouse and you’ll see he’s hardly joking, from pots and pans, furniture, DVDs, antiques, toys and tools; there’s not much you can’t find.
What began as a humble opportunity shop in Tanunda in 1999, now spans two sites and has funnelled millions of dollars into community programmes and projects.
“In the 20 years we’ve given back over $2 million to different community projects, primarily Carers and Disability Link, but also a lot of one off projects,” said Warehouse Manager, Helen Christie.
“Anyone can apply for a grant to help with a programme or a project.”
Whether it’s an organisation benefitting from a grant, a family setting up house on a budget, de-clutterers freeing themselves of unwanted goods, or a bargain hunter finding a unique item, Community Helpers really is a win-win for everyone.
It also brings great satisfaction to the people who volunteer their time and energy at the stores.
“It gives you a purpose when you’re retired, whether you come three days, or just a few hours, it gives you something to look forward to,” said Peter, who has a background in building and often lends his skills to minor repairs.
Over 50 people volunteer at the Nuriootpa warehouse, which handles all the larger goods and home wares, and about 35 at the clothing op shop in Tanunda.
The unique skills each individual brings to the operation helps with the professional presentation of the stores.
Tasks such as cleaning, sorting, repairs, customer service, and pick ups and deliveries are all part of the daily routine.
“For customers they see what’s on the shelves, but there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes before it gets out there,” said Helen.
And thanks to the beautiful new warehouse facility the conditions for volunteers and shoppers have been greatly improved.
“The opening of this has been fantastic for people because the old shed I think was called ‘sub optimal’ conditions,” said Helen.
“For us having flat floors from a shelving perspective is just wonderful and then also being able to include everyone in the community.”
Wider aisles, better access, toilet facilities that cater for the disabled, large staff room, and heating and cooling are some of the upgrades that have come with the move into the newly constructed warehouse, which opened in July and was made possible by State and Federal grants.
The location of the new store in the booming ‘Gateway to Nuriootpa’ district near the Sturt Highway is also better positioned for serving locals and attracting tourists.
With their rent-free infrastructure now in place, Community Helpers look forward to playing an important role in the community for another 20 years and beyond.
“Without the goodwill of the community and the volunteers over time, we would never be in the position we are today,” said Helen.
“Our target is to give back $200,000 a year into community programmes, which is just phenomenal.”
