Endeavour Recycled Clothing (ERC) Caloundra is crying out for volunteers to help in-store.

Due to the stores high need for volunteers, it will hold a volunteer drive this Thursday, 23 September.

The public is encouraged to come along to the store on Thursday and see the many benefits volunteering provides.

Not only does it provide a great sense of fulfilment, but volunteering is a wonderful social opportunity and great way to up-skill in areas such as customer service, administration, visual merchandising and register operation.

Chriss Hillier, 61, started volunteering at the store in June and hasnt looked back.

"I just love it," she said.

Chriss walked in as an enthusiastic customer and walked out of the store a volunteer.

"I was in there shopping away when I saw the sign for volunteers. I had a relative who had Down Syndrome, so when I found that the store needed volunteers I jumped at the chance to help out," she said.

"I adore being at the store. I meet so many different people from all walks of life. We get customers who are young kids right up to elderly people. Its a great social experience with both the customers and other volunteers.

"And of course it makes you feel so good. When I go home I think Wow. Ive done something. I enjoy giving back to the community."

Chriss encouraged others to join the stores nine volunteers.

"A lot of people congratulate you for volunteering and giving back to the community, but not many actually put up their hand and do it. But its so rewarding and absolutely great fun."

Chriss will be at the volunteer drive along with other volunteers and store manager Sue Freeman, to answer questions and show people around the store.

Endeavour Recycled Clothing Caloundra is one of 35 ERC stores throughout Queensland and one of 11 on the Sunshine Coast, which sell quality pre-loved clothing along with a sprinkling of never-before-worn garments at affordable prices.

ERC Caloundra celebrated its grand opening earlier this year and while customers are constantly impressed with the high quality and high-end look of the store and its garments, store manager Sue needs more volunteers to help run it.

"Its such a beautiful store with beautiful clothes and we really do have a lot of fun," Sue said.

All ERC proceeds go to Endeavour Foundations efforts of providing accommodation, education and employment services for more than 3,400 people with a disability throughout Queensland and Sydney.

On the Sunshine Coast Endeavour Foundation has 18 accommodation services, four Learning and Lifestyle services, Post School Services in Nambour, and Endeavour Foundation Industries Maroochydore which provides employment opportunities for people with a disability.

For more details visit www.endeavour.com.au or for more about ERC Caloundra call Sue at the store on 5341 8963.

What: Endeavour Recycled Clothing Caloundra volunteer drive. Come and see how you can join the fun at Endeavour Recycled Clothing by being a volunteer. There will also be free samples of fine food from Kingaroy Kitchen, which is made by people with a disability.
When: Thursday 23 September, 10am-noon
Where: Endeavour Recycled Clothing Caloundra, 44 Bulcock Street, Caloundra

Endeavour Foundation
21 September 2010