Volunteers return as Helicopter Op Shop opens after four-month closure

THE Helicopter Op Shop has reopened in Ballina after an extended four-month closure, with customers returning to support one of the region’s most important fundraising outlets.

The store sells clean, affordable clothing, linen, bedding and footwear, with every purchase directly supporting the lifesaving work of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

The shop has been completely refloored, and volunteers have been kept busy since reopening, responding to strong community demand.

“It took a bit longer than expected, but it was a good chance to give our volunteers a break, which they would have had over the holidays anyway,” Northern volunteers and retail coordinator Steve Adams said.

“We knew by looking at the social media response that we were missed and it was going to be a big day when we reopened.

“Our volunteers see that and they put a lot of effort into the store. We had eight here the first day back and people were coming and going all day.

“Some of the team have been here for 16 years and they were itching to get back because they didn’t like seeing us closed.”

Ballina is one of six helicopter op shops in northern NSW and was the first to open.

All money raised goes to the operations base in Lismore, with other support coming from charity golf days and year-round fundraising efforts, which the service relies on.

“Op shops are a great way for the community to support,” Mr Adams said. “So many people have been affected in some way or know someone who has had to use the service.

“In the five years I’ve been here, the op shop has never put its prices up and the community respect that.”

“The team here are a fun bunch and always have a smile on their faces, which is what it’s all about.”