The programme for the meeting was a visit to the Loved & Shared Warehouse in Cooper Street. This was a follow-up to the meeting on 15 February when Tyson Jakitsch, CEO, spoke about the work done by the essentially volunteer organization.
The photo below, thanks to James Cowell, shows Rotarians in the entrance area to the warehouse, with Tyson explaining the handling of new donations which arrive on the two large tables. All donations are checked on arrival and only those which are useful are accepted, donors being given suggestions about other drop-off places which they might try.
Following checking and sorting, items are placed in age and sex categorised boxes pending their distribution to clients. A few of the boxes are visible, but there are many, stored on floor to ceiling shelving and all carefully labelled.
At the other end of the warehouse are more large tables where the gift boxes are assembled, based on “recipes”
depending on the age and sex of the recipient. A typical box may contain tops, pants, skirts. dresses, underwear, toiletries. Boxes for infants may contain formula, feeding bottles, bottle warmers, comforters, and similar.Loved & Shared does not deal directly with recipients, but takes referrals from the various welfare organisations, with the gift boxes going back to the client via the welfare people.
The whole operation is extremely well and effectively organised, and is obviously meeting a significant need in today’s world. Further, as Tyson pointed out on his previous visit, the process saves a lot of useful items from finishing up in landfill.