Op Shop friends ready for customers

Something for everyone: Volunteers including Vicki Hearn and Carol Hanrahan have been organising the Op Shop alongside coordinator Darcy Irvin in recent weeks. Photo: EDWINA WILLIAMS

ONE of Sturt Street’s much-loved seven hundred-block shops is coming back to life with the support of passionate volunteers.

Having closed 18 months ago due to the pandemic, and then renovation works, the Friends of Hospice Op Shop near UFS at 723 Sturt Street will reopen after lockdown.

Ballarat Hospice Care CEO Carita Clancy said it’s returning to operation as a fresh boutique.

“The shop is brimming with winter coats, jackets, boots and gorgeous pre-loved treasures,” she said.

“Our volunteers have been working hard to prepare for the reopening, and we are all looking forward to welcoming the community back to the shop.

“In the past we have enjoyed wonderful community support through the Op Shop. We seek that support again now.”

Ms Clancy is looking forward to the essential funds the store will once again raise, directed straight to the organisation’s “specialist palliative care” throughout the Ballarat community.

“Income from the Op Shop eases the reliance on State Government funds and are used to further enhance patient and family quality of life and continual improvements on how we provide care.

“This includes the purchase of equipment allowing people to be cared for in their home,” she said.

Op Shop coordinator Darcy Irvin said customers are keen to come in, have a browse and support the cause.

“Every day we were working to prepare the shop before the July lockdown and there were people lined up outside, interested to come in and start shopping,” she said.

“It will be terrific to open the doors and let them in, and the volunteers have missed being together and working for the Hospice cause.

Volunteer Carol Hanrahan has been involved for five years, and is keen to serve customers again as they make a special visit for op-shop items, or duck in on their way to and from the pharmacy nearby.

Ballarat Hospice Care is inviting those interested to express their interest in becoming a volunteer. Information sessions will be held on Thursday, 12 and Thursday, 19 August. Contact 5333 1118.

Friends of Hospice Op Shop’s opening hours will be 9.30am to 4.30pm each day.