From volunteer to manager – Red Cross Shops provide opportunities as well as bargains

Our Red Cross Shops across the motu give a new sense of purpose to good quality items that people no longer need. But did you know that they’re also places that give people a sense of purpose, and for some, rewarding careers?

We have more than 50 shops across Aotearoa New Zealand, led by incredible people who have over 500 years of retail experience combined. For some of our shop managers, their experience was gained in Red Cross Shops themselves where they started as volunteers. Here is the story of one of these incredible people.

Valentina Karpenko’s journey to becoming a Red Cross Shop manager started as being welcomed as a volunteer and now sees her looking after a large group of volunteers.

Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, she moved to Aotearoa in 2015 with her family. Once her family was settled, she decided to volunteer at our Karangahape Road shop to improve her English. After 18 months — during which she completed her Retail Certificate in levels 3 and 4 — she was offered a paid part-time role on Saturdays. From there, she filled in at over half the Red Cross Shops in Auckland when needed.

She managed the Brown’s Bay shop for two years and worked part time at the Red Cross Shop in Wairau Park, which she now manages. Wairau Park is both a super store and our top shop. “I’m passionate about it. I know now how to price things, who are our regular customers, and what gets them excited.”

“If you work in a normal shop, you just sell one thing. Here, I’ve learned about art, collectable items, New Zealand history, New Zealand pottery – you get a varied education.”

Why she thinks people should volunteer? “It’s a great opportunity to get to know people of different backgrounds. It’s also a good way to learn the retail environment and we sell so many different items, so with that experience many people find roles in retail.”

Why do people volunteer? “For some people it is entertainment, to train, to retain their skills, and for many people it is a way to bring something to their community,” said Valentina. Volunteers range from school students and other immigrants wanting to gain experience, to retired retail workers.

“We give them training in retail customer service, so if you are interested in a retail job, this is a good start.”

Volunteers receive on-the-job training, and we can help you get your Certificate in Retail from Service IQ. This programme is free and available to volunteers who have been with us for three months.

More information

• If you want to get involved in our work, join us! We have over 40 branches across the motu and volunteer roles to suit everyone.
  Join New Zealand Red Cross
  Find a volunteer role
• Volunteer at a Red Cross Shop and support our work helping communities both here and overseas.
  Red Cross Shop volunteering information
• Find your local Red Cross Shop.
  Our locations
• Our employees support the work of our thousands of members and volunteers. Our career opportunities are as varied as our work.
  Work for us

Image caption: Valentina and Wairau Park Superstore volunteer Hannah behind the shop counter.