This week, Lifeline Hunter has today opened a new shop on the main street of Toronto, after being part of the Toronto community for nearly 20 years at the 64 The Boulevard location.
Local people will be able to buy new and pre-loved homewares, fashion, manchester, electrical items, books, music and small items of furniture while helping to fund Lifeline’s local suicide prevention services.
Shop manager Rita Andreassen and her team of volunteers are looking forward to welcoming existing and new customers. Ms Andreassen said the large store means there will be more items to choose from across all departments and a great shopping experience.
“The store has a great, fresh look will be open for customers to enjoy 7 days a week,” Ms Andreassen said.
She said proceeds from Lifeline shops go to delivering 13 11 14 crisis line phone support, local free counselling services, as well as community suicide prevention training and support programs.
“There’s more demand for Lifeline services than ever. Our shops 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 help fund the training and ongoing support for these amazing local people.”
Donations of quality pre-loved items to the shop are welcome during shop hours. For larger items it is best to call ahead on 4072 1547.
“That’s another benefit of op-shopping with Lifeline. 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 shop volunteers too.
“Our fabulous Lifeline shop volunteers mean more of our proceeds go back to funding services. If anyone wants to serve at or work behind the scenes at the shop – even for just a few hours a week – I’d love to hear from them.”
The new shop is at 34 The Boulevard in what was the NAB building. It will be open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-4pm. It is one of 10 Lifeline Hunter shops 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 in June. For shop locations and opening hours visit www.lifelinehunter.org.au/shops
Lifeline’s smaller Toronto shop at 64 The Boulevard will continue to trade as a discount depot until the end of July.
Nine Australians die every day by suicide and more than 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt each year. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44. Calls to Lifeline are up 25 per cent since the start of the COVID 19 pandemic.
