Textile & Craft Resource Recovery Volunteer

Organisational Background

Sewing for Charity Australia is a grassroots charity that supports vulnerable Australians through the creation and donation of handmade items, community connection initiatives and sustainable textile reuse programs. Through its social enterprise, The Sewing Lair, the organisation collects and redistributes donated fabric, yarn and craft supplies to help reduce textile waste while funding charitable programs and providing affordable creative resources to the community.

The Textile & Craft Resource Recovery Volunteer role supports these efforts by helping sort, process and prepare donated materials for reuse, resale and redistribution. Volunteers play an important role in sustainability, community engagement and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for volunteers, makers and customers alike.

Key Responsibilities

Textile & Craft Resource Recovery Volunteers are responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Sorting, categorising and processing donated fabric, yarn, sewing tools and craft supplies
• Assessing donated items for quality, usability and suitability for resale, reuse or recycling
• Measuring, folding, pricing and preparing stock for the shop floor or online sales
• Supporting sustainable textile reuse practices and helping divert materials from landfill
• Assisting donors and community members in a friendly and welcoming manner
• Maintaining a clean, safe and organised workspace
• Working collaboratively with volunteers, staff and shift leaders
• Following workplace health and safety procedures and organisational guidelines
• Helping create a positive, inclusive and respectful environment for people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and abilities
• Undertaking other general volunteer duties as directed

Key Attributes & Requirements

• No prior fabric, yarn or craft knowledge required; however, a willingness to learn is essential and existing knowledge is highly regarded
• Physical Requirements: Volunteers must be physically able to stand or sit for their shift, have good mobility, and lift donation boxes.
• Computer Literacy: You should be comfortable reading and responding to emails

Benefits of Volunteering with The Sewing Lair

• Be part of a welcoming, safe and inclusive community space for people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and abilities
• Meet like-minded people and develop friendships and community connections
• Learn about fabrics, sewing, craft supplies and sustainable textile reuse practices
• Contribute to reducing textile waste and keeping valuable materials out of landfill
• Support the charitable work of Sewing for Charity Australia and help make a positive impact in the community
• Develop transferable skills suitable for resumes, employment pathways, study and work experience programs
• Flexible volunteering opportunities with a variety of tasks suited to different interests, abilities and experience levels
• Be part of a creative and purpose-driven environment where every contribution is valued and appreciated ...and receive 50% off at any of our fabric and craft opshops!