Our op shop has been able to continue on again this year with the help of all our volunteers. We have 15 from the church and there are 16 from our community, which has enabled us to keep going so successfully.
At times it has been very challenging, with people sick or away on holidays, but we have all rallied around and filled in the gaps. Everyone has stepped in so we would not have to close the shop. This enabled us to keep open most of the time.
As volunteers, we enjoy each other’s company and getting to know each other and everyone who comes through the door. We do bless the op shop every morning and are always blessed in return.
Our outreach continues to the community and we have been able to help those in need and also the Shoe String Café in Bunbury to assist the homeless with clothing, books and shoes. We help with other needs as they arise. Our donations still continue to the Missions for Seafarers, Morrissey House, Aboriginal communities and local schools, and also assisting the women when they leave the Women’s Refuge. Australia Rags are taking our excess (approx. 7 T this year). Harvey Op Shop also bring their bags over to be included in these. We are truly grateful to have an outlet with them, and these go to the third world countries in crisis.
At times our donations seemed a little low, but we are so blessed to have everything that is brought in to us and very grateful to everyone, so that we can continue to serve the community. At the same time, we can also be overwhelmed by the generosity of the community in all the donations to bring to us.
We have been working on the front of the op shop, with the help of Geoff, Phil, PJ and Elaine. It will look fantastic for the future, with lawn and ground covers.
A big thank you for all the support given to us each year.