Waipuna Hospice Katikati Charity Shop is in desperate need of volunteers.

Without them they may be required to cut back on operating hours, says a hospice spokesperson.

"Volunteers are essential to the work of Waipuna Hospice, but now more than ever they need your support."

The Coronavirus outbreak has had a crippling effect on many industries and organisations across the country, including Waipuna Hospice.

Volunteer numbers in the Katikati store haven't bounced back since moving down alert levels meaning they are currently struggling to operate.

The busy charity shop is at risk of having to reduce operating hours if new volunteers aren't found.

This financial year, Waipuna Hospice needs to raise $4.25 million to continue to offer specialised palliative medical care and support services to families in our community.

That's just under $82,000 per week.

"Our retail operation contributes almost half of that, which isn't sustainable without an urgent increase in volunteer numbers," says Waipuna Hospice retail manager James Turner.

'Volunteers are an essential part of our operation, and are how we turn second-hand goods into first-class care.

'Because of their efforts and the fantastic support we receive from the community we're able to help provide the best care possible for those at the end of their life.”

Volunteers are valued for an array of capabilities, like sorting through appliances, discovering treasure hidden in bric-à-brac, physical strength for lifting furniture and fridges, customer skills, and a plain old willingness to get stuck in and help sort donations into valuable components that can be sold in our shops.

Waipuna Hospice charity shops provide strong community connections for individuals, allowing them to interact and have fun with shoppers and other volunteers.

Allan and Laila Morpeth have been volunteering at Waipuna Hospice since 2014, and are still loving the experience.

'Our favourite thing about volunteering is getting out of the house. We're a bit inclined to do things on our own because we have no children so it's nice to come and work somewhere where we are meeting people and being helpful,” says Laila.

Allan also loves the social element of volunteering. 'We've developed a bit of camaraderie with the different people that come through the shop which is nice. Working here allows us to meet and talk to people we wouldn't normally interact with, whether it's a customer or fellow volunteers.”

Become a Waipuna Hospice Hero and volunteer your time. Visit https://www.waipunahospice.org.nz/volunteer/ to complete the online volunteer application form.

Alternatively, email [email protected] or phone the volunteer department on 07 552 6897.