A NEW op shop supporting Lifeline Loddon-Mallee has officially opened in Long Gully, just in time for Christmas shopping.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s had already had a positive impact on the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cUltimately 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
A portion of the funding for the store\u2019s interior came from Sydney based construction company Girvan Group.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would not have had such a beautiful store without their support,\u201d Ms Renato said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about fundraising and it\u2019s 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis service will be very, very well utilised and I\u2019m looking forward to coming back and doing some Christmas shopping,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019s had already had a positive impact on the community. \u201cUltimately […]<\/p>\n