Robyn - The Op Shop Fairy with an Artist's Eye

For more than a decade, Robyn has quietly shaped the experience of Presbyterian Support Otago’s Op Shop.

With a background in television and dabbling in theatre hair and makeup, she brings an artistic eye to her volunteer role—transforming boxes of donated items into thoughtful displays. “I love stuff becoming artful creations,” she says. “Even if someone is just buying jeans, I want them to feel something special when they walk in.”

Robyn is sometimes called the “Op Shop Fairy” – a name she laughs about, but one that reflects her approach. Behind the scenes, she “dresses the set” to create welcoming spaces. For her, volunteering is about more than the shop – it’s knowing that, in the end, the funds go back into the community.

That connection keeps her there, enjoying engaging with people – staff, customers and fellow volunteers. “Without people giving their time, we wouldn’t get such a good result.”

Across Presbyterian Support Otago, volunteers like Robyn contribute in different ways - all supporting the work of Family Works and Enliven services across Otago.

Story written by Alzheimers Otago for our Volunteer Celebration Stories campaign to celebrate National Volunteer Week 2026.