"We are modelling this on the very successful Petone store."
He said the centre will be exciting for the town.
As well as having a second-hand clothing store, there will also be a support centre and a budgeting service.
He said they will be working with other community groups to provide help for local people.
"We would like to liaise with the food bank here," said Mr Sanders. "First, we have to determine what the needs are."
He said about 20 volunteers had signed up to help.
The Sanders have just relocated to Greytown after 23 years in Brisbane, where they both worked in the not-for-profit sector. They were involved with Lions Club in Australia and a friend persuaded them to join St Vincent de Paul.
Mrs Sanders said her friend, who has since passed away, would be amused that they had finally joined the society.
They were glad to be back in New Zealand. "We are here for the long term," she said.
Mrs Sanders is originally from Greytown and Mr Sanders is from the Waikato.
"We wanted to move back, our kids are grown up and my parents are still alive here," said Mrs Sanders.
She said although they were looking for a quiet lifestyle they were already quite busy.
Other Vinnies stores in the region helped kickstart the Carterton store with donated clothing and books but more donations are welcome.
Books, good quality clothes, bric-a-brac and small furniture items are needed.
The store opens on July 29.
Call 06 379 7915 or email svdpcarterton@xtra.co.nz, for more information.
