Missing a once in a lifetime trip to New Zealand wasn’t an option, but nor was missing out on the chance of a mission...so after a short meeting with Linda from the Red Cross Shop, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga NZ, it was game on for a spot of early (or late) Spring Cleaning...depending on which part of the globe you’re in.

Red Cross Shops: Ngā Toa Rīpeka Whero

There are 53 Red Cross Shops across New Zealand that offer fabulous second hand clothing and homeware to everyone at affordable prices. And the best part? Every dollar you spend goes to support vulnerable people in their local community.

1400 retail volunteers keep the shops running smoothly, generally working four hours per week. They are reliable individuals who enjoy working as part of a team and like giving back to the community. They generally have an interest in fashion and are looking to get valuable work experience. The volunteers gain retail and customer service skills and receive on-the-job-training.

The task...to spruce up the main shop area and do a spot of cleaning. Out came the vacuum cleaner, cleaning ‘rags’ and marigolds. An hour later, the carpet was clean and it was time to move on to the rest room...not an unusual task on a GoodGym mission...but with bigger bugs!

A big GoodGym thank you to Linda and Donna for being so welcoming...keep up the good work, ladies, you are making a huge difference to so many people.

On the way back, as temperatures reached 30 degrees, there was just enough time to enjoy a cooling ice-cream...before it melted in the Mount Maunganui midday heat.

Next week, we are hoping for a task ‘Down Under’, as the GoodGym flag is flown over in Australia...watch this space!