Red Cross Charity Store, Cleveland
Post
Subscribe
The Australian Red Cross, a not-for-profit organisation, came into being in 1914, nine days after the commencement of World War 1 and is one of many International Red Cross societies around the world.
I doubt that there would be anyone unfamiliar withiconic big red cross on white background logo.
As youngsters, white nursing aprons emblazoned with the Red Cross emblem were worn to commemorative Anzac Day functions at primary school as a nod to the organisation that provided so much aid to injured and sick servicemen and women and their families. Did you ever hear your grandparents use the phrase "Red Cross parcel" when they received a gift or parcel through the post? Red Cross was instrumental in supplying gift packs of toiletries, hand knitted socks and snacks to those serving in theatres of war or incarcerated in Prisoner of War camps.
To this day, the organisation is involved with humanitarian projects, that are just too important and numerous to mention here. If you are interested in learning more, refer
here
In recent months a Red Cross Shop, specialising in the retail of preloved, new, and donated goods, opened in the Ross Court Shopping Complex, Cleveland, only a few doors away from the Transport and Main Roads Department. This is one of the more popular fundraising methods of the organisation that is supported by the work (and heart) of many volunteers, as well as very capable staff.
I stumbled across the shop by accident, not realising that it was a charity shop, as it presented no differently than a retail clothing space. Not a basket of secondhand paperback books in sight!
There was a good variety of preloved and new clothing for men, women and children available for purchase, from casual, smart daywear, to work outfits, as well as some upmarket evening clobber. As well, garments are displayed in designated areas according to size making it an even easier retail experience. As a plus sized person I was pleased to find many smart outfits for all occasions in my size. Apparently some of the volunteers have merchandising backgrounds and boy, does it show!
Clothing was colour blocked and mannequins clothed in attire coordinated with accessories - hats, bags and shoes - to illustrate the looks that can be achieved with a little flair and imagination, and not so many dollars. Did I mention the jewellery!
Don't get me wrong, this Op Shop does have books for sale. I've even seen them getting cleaned with wipes! There are also other bibs and bobs to be had - such as candles and homewares - though these change according to donations at the time.
The staff and volunteers are extremely proud of what they have achieved in this space, as they should be!
The Red Cross Store, at Shop 4/ 195 Bloomfield Street, is well worth a visit. Perhaps you too would like to volunteer a few hours of your time or have some goods that are worth donating? Have a chat to Tess, the Manager, or any of the staff as they are all very approachable.
The Stores Opening Hours are as follows:
Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 2pm
Parking is plentiful.
Now that's what I would call Retail Therapy for a good cause.
#shopping
#free
#cleveland
#charity
%wnbrisbane
111096 - 2023-06-12 15:29:35