Due to ever-increasing demand in the Hunter, Lifeline is opening a new concept store at Thornton this month.
The premises, to be located on Pipeclay Avenue, will offer a range of furniture and homewares at affordable prices.
It’s the 13th op shop for Lifeline Hunter and the fourth in the Maitland LGA, following in the footsteps of Rutherford, Maitland and, more recently, East Maitland.
Sadly, calls to the organisation requesting assistance and support have risen by 25% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
So, hopefully, the latest outlet will meet the needs of the community.
Retail operations manager David Ison said all purchases would help fund local suicide prevention services.
“Proceeds from Lifeline’s shops flow back into the Hunter, such as free counselling in Maitland, Singleton, Cessnock and Newcastle, for example,” he explained.
“The Thornton warehouse, which operates alongside the shop, is our new centralised donation drop-off point that will service our 13 local Lifeline outlets by sorting and delivering donated and value-range goods to the stores.
“So, as people face further struggles, with cost-of-living pressures climbing, we need community support more than ever.
“Shopping at Lifeline is a fun and impactful way to help make a difference.
“Also, we provide more choice and access to furniture at a great price.
“Volunteering is another way people can contribute and actively be involved in supporting Lifeline.
“We couldn’t offer the services we do at no cost to those reaching out for our help if it wasn’t for the invaluable support of volunteers both in our shops and on the crisis support line.
“If anyone would like to be involved, there is a wide range of roles available.
“Volunteers can serve customers, design shop displays, help sort donations, tidy the shop or work in the warehouse.
“Even if it’s just a few hours a week or on the weekend, we’d love to hear from you.
“It is a meaningful way to give back to your community and a great way to meet people.”
Other Lifeline Hunter op shops are located in Cardiff, Hamilton North, Morisset, Nelson Bay, Raymond Terrace, Singleton, Toronto, Wallsend and Warners Bay.
From 4 November, Thornton’s store will open Monday to Friday (9am-5pm), Saturday (9am-4pm) and Sunday (10am-4pm).
People wishing to donate goods or to volunteer at any shop should visit in-store or phone 1300 152 854.
The furniture pick-up service is available on 4072 1614.
Lifeline support
- 24-hour crisis support: Ph 13 11 14. Text: 0477 13 11 14. Chat online: www.lifeline.org.au
- Lifeline free counselling appointment bookings: 1300 152 854
- www.lifelinehunter.org.au
For more community stories:
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- Plans to rename Lake Mac park in honour of Uncle Bill Smith
- Next wave of trainee lifeguards in council’s sights
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