"The Government reaction to the Covid situation was incredibly quick, we had little time to
prepare and our primary concern was the well being of our volunteers, so we made the
decision fairly quickly to close our store almost immediately."
Since lockdown the staff has been flat out trying to bring in some much needed revenue.
"I guess a lot of people would expect us to say we have been at home, keeping safe, along with the rest of New Zealand. It is true we have done that, but we have actually been
incredibly busy. We needed to think very quickly how we could support our families and
continue to engage with them."
A Givealitttle page was launched immediately, asking people to "Share coffee with us".
Carolyn says she is a big coffee fan and was "slightly embarrassed" at how much money
she was saving not buying coffee every day.
"I knew I wasn't alone with this so we thought that since we weren't able to hold our annual 'Change Wars' appeal, we would ask people to donate their saved coffee money to
us."
The shop also jumped onboard with the online sales, offering $10 winter warmer packs via their Facebook page.
"We put together winter essential clothing items for children — PJs, singlet, warm sweaters and tops, etc — each pack made to order according to age and gender. We offered contactless collection and it was very well-received. Our families were grateful to be able to buy warm, quality clothing for children at prices that were affordable."
Some of the shop's designer items have been sold on Instagram and they are about to
launch a competition via Instagram and Facebook to go in to win a winter capsule wardrobe, professionally styled by Hawke's Bay stylist Candice Sanson. Carolyn says they
have received many messages from people who have been grateful for their clothing packs and have had a lot of engagement on social media.
"We felt it was important to continue to connect with our community and to let them know
they were not alone."
Getting the store level 2 ready has been a mammoth effort for Carolyn and her staff, but
one she feels is necessary to ensure customers and volunteers feel safe.
"We have spent the last two weeks disinfecting every clothing rack, shelf and surface and
steamed every item of clothing. We have had perspex screens made for our counter and
fitted sanitiser stations throughout our shop. We have put a system in place for contact
tracing, ensuring we are able to protect people's privacy."
Aside from the financial challenges, the main focus for Carolyn has been to ensure her volunteers have been looked after, felt connected and still part of the shop family.
"Many of them live alone and the shop is a very important part of their lives for the social
connections they make. We truly are a shop family and I have missed them. I have also worried for our customers, many of them would call in for a daily or weekly chat. We are a
safe, welcoming space and I know they would have missed us."
She says many of their volunteers are not able to return to work yet, as they have compromised immunity, so ensuring they have enough staff has been one of the re-opening challenges.
"The other issue I worry about is the processing of donated goods. We need to store
goods, untouched for 72 hours before we can process them. We have limited space and I
know everyone has been clearing out while they have been at home."
She says they can only accept clothing that has been freshly laundered and homeware and
other items that are clean.
"We would love it if people could drop their donations off a little at a time rather than a car load. We don't have a lot of space and I worry about how we will safely manage this. If we get a lot of goods that we can't sell, it will end up costing us money to dump it. We are
very lucky in that people are very mindful and donate clean, quality items to us."
For now Carolyn has been looking forward to seeing her volunteers again and catching up
with customers.
"I have also missed our Taradale business community — the businesses support each
other and that is so important, especially now."
Carolyn wants to assure the public it is safe to shop at the Napier Family Centre Charity
Shop.
"The shop may look different — we will have someone at the door to greet you, give you
hand sanitiser and record your details for contact tracing. Step inside and we have so
many amazing finds – beautiful designer fashion, lovely leather boots, warm woollen
jumpers and jackets and essential everyday items. We still have our 50c children's
clothing and $1 adults' clothing racks. We have done everything possible to make sure
you are safe, our shop is clean and we will greet you with a smile."
■ Visit the Givealittle page Napier Family Centre - Help Vulnerable families during Covid
19.
Donated goods can be dropped off at their back door on Symonds Lane opposite the
skateboard bowl steps during opening hours — do not leave outside hours. Opening
hours Monday 9.30am-1pm; Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am-4.30pm; Saturday, closed.
Enquire in store about becoming a volunteer.
