Hospice Waikato is almost doubling retail space with a move to new premises, but it needs community help to finish the project.
Hospice Waikato regional retail manager Teresa Bidlake said the 300 square metre George Street shop was due to close next month. A new 580 square metre store will opening at the old Timmo’s ITM building on the corner of Te Rahu and Cambridge roads.
Teresa Bidlake
“After almost 30 years in Te Awamutu, in three different locations, Hospice Waikato is delighted to move into this fit for purpose site,” Bidlake said.
Hospice Waikato opened a shop in Sloane Street, Te Awamutu in 1995. The shop moved to 170 George St in 2009 and to its current location opposite The Warehouse in 2015.
“With a great team of volunteers, the move is expected to take about two weeks. We are looking for extra volunteer support from Te Awamutu residents to give of their time. This could be as a painter to finish the inside, a general helper to shift the stock and fittings, or as a longer-term volunteer in the shop.”
Hospice Waikato is also advertising paid roles at Te Awamutu on Seek. It is recruiting a 30-hour-per-week retail assistant, two Saturday retail assistants and a Sunday position as well.
“The Te Awamutu team are very successful,” said Bidlake.
“In the last year they have sold more than $600,000 worth of goods that have been kindly donated by our Te Awamutu community. This goes a long way to ensuring palliative care services in Te Awamutu are free to patients and their whanau. “
In the last year they have sold more than 17,732 items of bric-a-brac, 1124 items of furniture and 12,589 items of women’s clothing.
Susan Hassall
Hospice Waikato acting chief executive Susan Hassall was grateful for community support in challenging times.
“We recognise that we keep asking, and that the community continues to be willing to give. In my role, I witness every day the difference that this makes to ensure that those at the end of life, can live well until their last breath.”
