Four dedicated Shops Volunteers retire, sparking a special recruitment for Friends of WCH

3 Feb

Written By Friends of the Women's & Children's Hospital FWCH

With four very dedicated Shops volunteers stepping down after an impressive 90 years of combined service, at the Friends of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Shops Auxiliary division, the Rainbows Cafe is looking for new Friends!

On the 8th December 2025 Life Members Dorothy, Ann, Dennis and Margaret hung up their aprons after an amazing contribution to volunteering Monday mornings towards Shop Food preparations at the Rainbows Cafe.

While the morning itself was a buzz with an ABC Radio Breakfast Show interview plus Channel 7’s news team (reporter Hanni Howe and cameraman Travis), it was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the difference the Shops Volunteers can make every day to its customers.

Also highlighting the contribution and fundraising Friends put towards important medical equipment and services for the Women’s & Children’s Health Network each year (donating around $300,000 - $350,000 per annum).

We may be saying farewell to four beautiful Shops Volunteers, whose decades of dedication, compassion and commitment have shaped the Rainbows Cafe and Shops Auxiliary division, leaving a legacy of friendship and camaraderie - however their spirit will live on, as we open our doors to many more who wish to join the Friends community.

As the Rainbows Cafe has been a part of so many families stories, with these wonderful volunteers having retired, we warmly call for new Volunteers/Friends to step forward and help continue their important work.

4 hours a week or fortnight will make a real difference.
Flexible shifts rostered around your availability (Monday to Friday).
Free Working with Children Check (WWCC) and free Health Immunisation Screening + any required vaccinations - at no cost to volunteer.
Free Food Safety certificate (90% pass completion, 45 min online course).
Opportunity to be cross-skilled in operational areas such as morning Food preparation, kitchen hand, front counter sales / customer service, cash register, stock movement, coffee machine / barista, cleaning.
Help raise funds, that directly support patients and families.
Be part of a friendly, supportive volunteer team.
Free lunch is provided to all volunteers whilst on shift, plus 20% off stock.
Note: Friends Volunteers are required to be 18 years or older.

For more information please visit the donate, volunteer pages or apply directly online via the MyImpactPage. Otherwise contact the Friends Office at 8161 6439, or email us at info@wchfriends.com.au. And follow us on Facebook for more updates, news and event details.