Op shop effort goes online

MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Ballarat West have created their own digital op shop to generate funds for community groups and charities, recently donating to Ballarat Hospice Care.

Because volunteering opportunities at established op shops were put on hold due to the pandemic, Christina and Steve Gollan and Sue Simmonds launched their own under the Rotary Club banner in July, accepting donated items, selling them on Facebook and sending them off to new owners.

Mrs Gollan is a former full-time carer who looked after her elderly father until he died 18 months ago. Her team of op shoppers raised enough money for the palliative care organisation to source a ROHO air cushion.

“I’m doing this for my dad who I dearly miss. I think he’d be really proud. Ballarat Hospice Care is awfully important, allowing people to die at home with the people they love,” she said.

“We want to keep the money we raise in Ballarat, and we want to know what it’s purchasing so we can give our 670 members feedback about what they’ve been able to achieve.

“We recently donated $1000 to WRISC Family Violence Support, who were able to pay for crisis accommodation. People who donate and purchase from us are so kind, and they should feel proud.”

Ballarat Hospice Care CEO Carita Clancy was grateful for the community ingenuity and compassion.

“We are delighted to be a recipient of funds donated by the group. We have plans to purchase a special cushion that will bring comfort to patients while they are cared for in their own home,” she said.

“We work hard to ensure funds are available to purchase equipment for loan so people can stay at home for their end-of-life care in line with their wishes.

“The support we receive from our local community extends and supports our care.”

The op shop and pick-up space is open to the public, based in Buninyong. Mrs Gollan puts items online for sale daily, but people are welcome to visit “the shed” to have a look and purchase on site.

“Most adult clothes are $2. Everybody’s doing it tough now. We want to look after our purchasers and raise as much money as we can.

“Every dollar and $2 sale add up, and 100 per cent is donated back to charity,” she said.

The initiative also has its own Instagram page, run by local teens, Anastasia and Aviva.

“They’re modelling and photographing the clothes. It’s lovely that two young girls want to be involved,” Mrs Gollan said.

“It’s been so very busy, however, we gain so much by what we are doing. Many of our donors and buyers are enjoying the virtual and real connections they are making, and we welcome more people to follow the page.”

Visit the online shop at facebook.com/groups/1742683135881650, Instagram @rotary.opshop.ballarat or call Mrs Gollan on 0417 041 840.