Your orders from The Hamlin Shop are packed by our amazing team of Sydney-based volunteers. They also run our Turramurra gift shop. Our vollies are passionate individuals who give their time generously, the Hamlin Shop exists because of them.
Here's a blog from one of our vollies, Jenny, on why she likes volunteering at Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation and packing your orders with love.
A Volly Viewpoint - Jenny
If you enjoy being appreciated and treated with respect, then being a volunteer at Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation is a good place to be. The planets aligned six years ago when I read Dr. Hamlin’s autobiography The Hospital by the River and simultaneously discovered the recently opened Hamlin shop in Turramurra. On impulse I walked in, was graciously received and signed up as a volunteer on the spot. I took the Wednesday shift. The rest is history, as they say.
If you enjoy being surrounded by beautiful things lovingly hand-crafted by African artisans and selling them to appreciative customers, then being a volunteer at Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation is a good place to be. There is an interesting story behind many of our products. My personal favourite is the Tiyent Bracelet; transforming lethal weaponry into things of beauty is an appealing idea.
If you enjoy being invited to morning tea held in your honour, as well as dinners and other events, then Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation is a good place to be. Volunteers have few opportunities to meet each other as we all hold shifts at different times. Invitations to morning tea, with home-baked goodies, offered us the opportunity to meet each other and catch up on the latest. And the Christmas parties get better and better each year.
If you enjoy brushing up old skills and learning new ones, then Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation is a good place to be. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their gifts and talents to the table. For instance, if you enjoy public speaking (well not really but it’s an excellent skill to have under your belt) there are opportunities to do just this. Talking about vaginal fistula to an all male Rotary Club luncheon was a little daunting, but they were very gracious and generous, even asking a few questions.
If you enjoy meeting people ... If you enjoy travel....
In short, if you enjoy living a life rich with meaning and purpose as modelled by Catherine Hamlin and her life work, and like being surrounded by like-minded people, the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation is THE place to be.
