All Saints is all smiles in Barwon Heads

A BARWON Heads op-shop has recorded its largest six-month fundraising total to date, with the shop’s coordinator crediting the local community’s generosity to the milestone.

All Saints Op Shop coordinator Margaret Powell says the Hitchcock Avenue-based not-for-profit has raised over $100,000 dating back to the start of 2023, breaking its previous six-month record by over $15,000.

“It’s hard to put an exact reason on the spike in sales, but ever since COVID-19 people seem to be coming out and shopping more,” Ms Powell said.

“It’s also a credit to the team that we have getting out amongst the community and spreading word of mouth.

“We’re very well-known now and people are looking for bargains, particularly due to the rising cost of living.”

All funds raised by the op-shop were distributed out to local organisations to assist with community projects.

Some of the recipients included Barwon Heads Uniting Church, Barwon Heads Primary School, Barwon heads Fire Brigade, 1st Barwon Heads Scouts and Barwon Heads Community Arts Garden.

“We were able to give more this year locally, but also a little further afield, organisations such as Lazarus House in Geelong,” Ms Powell said.

“When we’re able to help other groups, often, they are able to help us as well.”

The op shop is also farewelling a pivotal member of its committee. The Church’s vicar Jill McCoy, is retiring from church duties.

“Jill had the faith to place me in charge of the op shop and I will forever be grateful for that,” Ms Powell said.

“She’s a tremendous lady and has been a great community figure for years. We’ll definitely miss her.”

Ms McCoy’s last service will be held on June 25.

All Saints Op Shop is open each day from 9.30am-1pm.