Last week volunteers who work at the Bairnsdale Uniting Church’s Opportunity Shop, met for lunch at Bairnsdale Bowls Club.
This luncheon was a big “thank you” to all the helpers who turn up each week to sell items, collect and sort various things people donate and generally do all the jobs associated with the enterprise.
The Op Shop is also a friendly place where people make friends and share Christian fellowship with all who come in the door, including a cuppa and bikkie.
Chief executive officer John Butler thanked all people present and announced the most noteworthy item about the Op Shop this year is that in March 2025, after 17 years, the shop passed the $1,000,000 receipts mark – What an achievement.
John also introduced new minister,
Rev Ram Thanga and his wife Lal, to the group.
This money goes to support wider church projects, including the local church, local, state and international areas of need.
Alan Cracknall from the church said the purpose is to help people, particularly families.
He listed some of the recipients of donations from the Op Shop recently, who had all been hit with fires which destroyed their possessions.
These people were from Orbost to Maffra, to other areas nearby.
Each person was given $500 to help them set up again, plus donations of goods from the Op Shop shelves.
After the dinner, speaking to volunteers who work at the Op Shop, their comments about the facility said lots about the purpose and ethos of the Op Shop as a Christian, community facility.
Bev: “Because of the camaraderie of the people I meet and work, with it does not seem like work.”
Carole: “It is the friendships I make. And it is good to still be able to work.”
Joy: “It is special being a part of our church and meeting new people”
Josie. “I have worked here for 11 years. People come in and say it is the nicest and cleanest Op Shop they know”.
