Irma Lisper spends hours each week sorting clothes and items before they go on the shelf.
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Originally from the Philippines, she has volunteered at Cobram Vinnies for two of the nine years she has lived in Cobram.
And she has no regrets about signing up.
“I enjoy volunteering at Vinnies because I meet people and get to socialise,” she said.
“I’m a shy woman, so now that I’m at Vinnies I get to make some friends.”
Irma decided to put her hand up and volunteer at Vinnies after her children had grown up and moved out of home.
Since then, she’s often had the pleasure of bumping into many of her regular customers around town.
“Now that I’m at Vinnies, I’ve made some friends,” she said.
“We see each other in the Woolies; when I go there, they say, ‘Hi, I’ve seen you in the Vinnies!’”
“I say, ‘Yes, I volunteer at Vinnies!’”
Under the auspices of store manager Jody, Irma works alongside a team of 19 active volunteers.
Part of the team at Cobram Vinnies: Julz, Roz, store manager Jody, Jodie and Irma.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Irma said she first wanted to volunteer at Vinnies to make new friends and socialise — both of which she has amply achieved.
As she explained, Irma has no plans to move on any time soon — so long as “I’m still kicking”.
Alongside the invaluable pleasure of making new friends, Irma also enjoys many perks of volunteering at the store, including getting discounts on items.
The store is always looking for more help.
Anyone interested in volunteering alongside Irma and the crew at Cobram Vinnies can call the store on 5872 1737.
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