Donations have a story to tell
We are lucky that at the Brotherhood we hear all sorts of wonderful stories, whether it be someone who has come to volunteer with us that has gone on to get paid work or the stories of 'stuff' that is donated to our retail business on a daily basis.
The Brotherhood's community stores (Op Shops) across Greater Melbourne have seen some gems over the years, often donated with no history about how they came to find us. So you can imagine we enjoy hearing the tales of some of these unique objects.
Some donors stop to tell the stories of some of their wondrous donations or attach their story to their item when donating, like Fred.
Fred found a little silver duck one cold, windy and rainy day at Coburg Markets.
'He was shiny silver with dazzling blue eyes and a slot in his back - the perfect money box', he wrote on a card that accompanied his donation.
'He has been well loved and helped save my coins. This is farewell, ducky, and I hope you find a lovely new home.'
Or the story told to Megan, the manager of our hunter gatherer store in Fitzroy, about a doll dressed in Pakistan's national costume, which was relayed by a friend of the owner (who has since passed away).
This doll belonged to a little girl who lived in country Victoria. When she was quite young she decided that she wanted to be a missionary doctor and many years later, at a time when it was less usual for a woman to work into medicine, she realised her ambition.
She learnt a new language (Urdu) and went to Pakistan. There she eventually ran an entire medical district. The doll was dressed in Pakistani costume and was used to explain her work to the children, whenever she came back to Australia.
Every day we see amazing donations made by the generous public, wanting to do their bit to help us raise funds for the many programs and services run by the Brotherhood of St Laurence. Maybe next time you donate, you'll pass on its story.