Retirement has not stopped Peter and Ramesh from giving back to their local community.
The Canning Vale retirees, aged 82 and 83, volunteer at the Vinnies Canning Vale Shop, where they have become familiar faces to staff, customers and fellow volunteers.
Peter, a retired teacher of more than 30 years, has volunteered at the shop twice a week for the past four years.
“It’s a fun-filled day,” Peter said. “I come into the shop, I greet my fellow volunteers, I welcome customers, and I serve any of the customers who come into the shop.”
Peter said volunteering had given him purpose after retirement.
“it’s changed my life because it’s given me something to work with, and work for,” he said.
“I don’t spend my time moping – it’s given me a real sense of purpose.”
He said he enjoyed working with the volunteers and staff, chatting with customers and seeing the smile on their faces.
Peter’s connection to Vinnies goes back many years, when he helped distribute food for the St Vincent de Paul Society WA in Langford.
“Many years ago, I was involved the distribution of food for (the St Vincent de Paul Society WA) in Langford,” Peter said.
“My wife would take the phone call from Vinnies, then she’d give me the names and addresses to deliver the food to.”
Ramesh, a retired truck driver who recently turned 83, joined the Canning Vale shop in 2023.
He often works behind-the-scenes sorting donations and said volunteering had given him a new lease of life.
“It keeps your mind and body active and it feels good to give something back to the community,” Ramesh said.
The pair are among many older volunteers who give their time to Vinnies shops each week, including some volunteers in their 90s.
Vinnies WA said its shops relied on volunteers, with retail revenue helping fund programs including Emergency Relief, which provides immediate support to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship.
Vinnies WA is encouraging local residents, particularly retirees and seniors, to consider volunteering at their local shop.
The organisation said volunteer opportunities across Vinnies were flexible, with roles available across retail.
Vinnies WA Manager of Volunteering May Bowden said volunteering helped people stay connected and make a difference.
“Volunteering is a great way to stay connected, meet new people and make a real difference in your community,” Ms Bowden said.
“Many of our volunteers get an immense feeling of joy and purpose in giving back, and that’s what drives them to continue coming back each week.”
Peter encouraged other retirees to give volunteering a go.
“I would tell them that it gives you another lease of life,” he said.
“I went from retiring in my working life, to finding another purpose in volunteering.”
