Lifeline Hunter will open a new, larger shop in the main street of Toronto next week.
From Monday 15 May, locals can now buy homewares, fashion, Manchester, electrical items, books, music and small pieces of furniture at 34 The Boulevarde while helping to fund the organisation’s suicide prevention services.
Lifeline’s current Lake Macquarie store, at 64 The Boulevarde, is expected to continue to trade as a discount depot until the end of July.
Shop manager Rita Andreassen said the latest premises would extend its operating hours, too.
“The large store means there will be more items to choose from across all departments and a great shopping experience,” she explained.
“It boasts a terrific, fresh look.
“And, best of all, it will be open seven days a week.
“My team of volunteers and I are looking forward to welcoming existing and new customers.”
Ms Andreassen said the proceeds from Lifeline shops went to delivering 13 11 14 crisis line phone support, local free counselling services, as well as community suicide prevention training and assistance programs.
“There’s more demand for Lifeline services than ever,” she stated.
“Our stores help to make sure people can keep calling Lifeline to have someone listen to them… and to offer hope.
“We urgently need more volunteer crisis supporters for our 13 11 14 service and shop proceeds go towards funding the training for these amazing local people.”
Donations of quality pre-loved items to the shop are welcome during opening hours as well.
For larger items, it is best to phone ahead on 4072 1547.
“That’s another benefit of op-shopping with Lifeline,” Ms Andreassen said.
“You get a bargain but also help the environment by giving items another life.
“Because we sell the items to raise funds, we need donated items to be in a good condition.”
Ms Andreassen is always looking for new volunteers, too.
“Our fabulous Lifeline shop volunteers mean more of our proceeds go back to funding services,” she said.
“If anyone wants to serve at or work behind the scenes at the store – even for just a few hours a week – I’d love to hear from them.”
The new shop is in what was the NAB building.
It will be open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, Saturday from 9am to 4pm and Sunday (9am-4pm).
It’s one of nine Lifeline Hunter stores with others located in Cardiff, Hamilton North, Maitland, Morisset, Nelson Bay, Raymond Terrace, Singleton and Wallsend.
Lifeline plans to open an additional shop at Rutherford at the end of the month.
For locations and opening hours, visit www.lifelinehunter.org.au/shops
Sadly, nine Australians die every day by suicide and more than 65,000 make an attempt on their life each year.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44.
Calls to Lifeline are up 25% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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
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