Vital skills for unemployed

AVOCARE has expanded its unemployment support to Cranbourne.
The registered charity on Monday 19 October opened a Cranbourne community shop to be staffed by Avocare supervisors and Work for the Dole participants.
They’ll gain experience in a hands-on work environment and skills like serving customers, merchandising, stock management, refurbishing computers and repairing and restoring pre-loved office furniture.
“It’s good for Avocare to branch out to the Casey area,” participant Peter said.
Avocare director Trish Keilty said the store would sell new and pre-loved items at bargain prices.
“Funds raised will help support the Computer Worx and Office Furniture Connect activities fulfil their objective of donating computers and home office furniture to students and low income families within the City of Casey,” she said.
Fully refurbished computers, chairs and desks are distributed to Health Care Card and student ID card holders so they can set up a study nook or home office.
“It is an honour to manage this activity, to help the people of Cranbourne through the community shop as these days living is difficult,” shop supervisor Angelique said.
“We have a great team of participants here. It is rewarding to see these individuals grow and focus on their career path through Work for the Dole and to help the Cranbourne community with a range of useful daily products at such an affordable price.”
Avocare has been running Work for the Dole activities in Dandenong since 2003.
The community shop is at 13 Grace Street, Cranbourne, and will be open from 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday and until 3.30pm on Fridays.
It will accept donations within business hours and can issue tax invoices. Call 5917 0086 with any inquiries.
– Jenna Hutton-Murdoch