A BARWON Heads op-shop has recorded its largest six-month fundraising total to date, with the shop\u2019s coordinator crediting the local community\u2019s generosity to the milestone.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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,\u201d Ms Powell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also a credit to the team that we have getting out amongst the community and spreading word of mouth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re very well-known now and people are looking for bargains, particularly due to the rising cost of living.\u201d<\/p>\n
All funds raised by the op-shop were distributed out to local organisations to assist with community projects.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were able to give more this year locally, but also a little further afield, organisations such as Lazarus House in Geelong,\u201d Ms Powell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we\u2019re able to help other groups, often, they are able to help us as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
The op shop is also farewelling a pivotal member of its committee. The Church\u2019s vicar Jill McCoy, is retiring from church duties.<\/p>\n
“Jill had the faith to place me in charge of the op shop and I will forever be grateful for that,\u201d Ms Powell said.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s a tremendous lady and has been a great community figure for years. We\u2019ll definitely miss her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms McCoy\u2019s last service will be held on June 25.<\/p>\n
All Saints Op Shop is open each day from 9.30am-1pm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A BARWON Heads op-shop has recorded its largest six-month fundraising total to date, with the shop\u2019s coordinator crediting the local community\u2019s 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 […]<\/p>\n