Volunteers are generally the life blood of these recycling stores, graciously giving up their time. Without their contributions, the business ventures could not function as they do. The camaraderie workers experience amidst their teams, while knowing the invaluable impact they make upon their community, is rewarding. For some, contributing their time and labour is a significant steppingstone towards re-entering the workforce, as the voluntary work supports and encourages self-esteem. Volunteers are often provided with training and skill development, while enjoying a safe place to belong and feel valued.

Leongatha shop manager, Liz, says, “We are always on the lookout for new volunteers. Even if people only have an hour or two a week to spare. They would still be a huge help and we would love to have them.” If you are interested, please pop into Vinnies, and speak to Liz.

When the pandemic hit, the entire Vinnie’s retail team, warehouse, logistics, the support office, shop managers and volunteers were quick to incorporate the mandatory health and safety requirements. Ample hand sanitiser and face masks, 1.5 metre distance floor markers and acrylic till barriers were immediately put into place. All donations are quarantined for 24-48 hours.

The Vinnies op shops presently open their doors to the public at 10am, one hour later than usual. The initial hour is presently spent thoroughly cleaning the sites. This is a daily task for the Leongatha store, as it’s open seven days a week.

Liz explains, “It’s been a tough year, but we would like to thank the local community for supporting us and bringing in their good-quality, second-hand donations. We are always on the lookout for contributions, especially home wares, as they’re flying off the shelves. Kids clothing is needed too. Children seem to have outgrown their garments during lock down. So please bring your donations to our shop and say ‘hello’ when you drop them off. We always like to thank people in person for their generosity.”

Opportunity shops are a wonderful place for your unwanted goods to be revived, as one person’s outgrown cast-off is another’s treasure. The stores emanate an array of colours and textures from vast selections of recycled clothing & accessories, footwear, furniture, manchester, books, toys and much more. In fact, just about anything you might think of can be found in these interesting establishments, including sometimes a kitchen sink!

If you’re searching for a quirky gift or an unusual piece of decor, most likely you will unearth the perfect item you desire in an op shop. It may take a little effort to patiently hunt through an abundance of hidden gems, but isn’t that half the fun?

Each visit promises an exciting, discovery journey, where you typically leave with unique, unforeseen bargains. However, op shops are not only a place to donate or acquire feasible items. These endearing venues are also community hubs, offering a safe and caring ambiance to enjoy a friendly chat, presently adhering to social distancing regulations.

So, next time you’re in town, wander into your local op shop and offer the altruistic volunteers your warmest smile. You never know, you may simultaneously just happen to stumble across exactly what you’ve been looking for!

Camilla Hullick