New charity store to boost phone support

A NEW op shop supporting Lifeline Loddon-Mallee has officially opened in Long Gully, just in time for Christmas shopping.

Proceeds from the store will supplement the funding of Lifeline call centres in Bendigo and Mildura, and executive officer of Lifeline Loddon-Mallee, Lisa Renato, said it’s had already had a positive impact on the community.

“Ultimately the funds will be used to train and recruit new volunteers to come in and answer 13 11 14 calls, but also to continue to engage and retain those who are already volunteering to deliver crisis services,” she said.

A portion of the funding for the store’s interior came from Sydney based construction company Girvan Group.

“We would not have had such a beautiful store without their support,” Ms Renato said.

Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, helped cut the ribbon to the store and said despite some State Government funding, organisations like Lifeline run on a small budget.

“It’s about fundraising and it’s about making sure that they can keep the doors open and can keep training those call workers who work so hard supporting people across the region,” she said.

The op shop aims to provide a place for people to recycle and purchase second hand goods, which Ms Edwards said was important in building a circular economy and supporting those who are doing it tough.

“This service will be very, very well utilised and I’m looking forward to coming back and doing some Christmas shopping,” she said.

The op shop is located at 8 Wendy Street in Long Gully and every $39 raised will cover the cost of one call made to Lifeline.