New life for GAWS op shop

GAWS board director Jane Meier, volunteers Carmel Vella and Sue Bullock, and president Maria Mercurio with dogs Henry and Hattie. Photos: ELLIE CLARINGBOLD

GEELONG Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) officially celebrated the opening of its op shop in Newcomb on Tuesday this week at an event featuring some of the dogs now in the organisation’s care.

Located at 50 Watsons Road, the op shop is run entirely by volunteers and stocks a wide range of clothing, accessories, homewares, books and toys.

GAWS chief executive officer Helen Cocks said every purchase from the op shop helped support the animals in the society’s care.

“Last year, GAWS had 3383 animals come into our care, with many in our shelter for a long period of time,” Ms Cocks said.

“It costs approximately $65 a day to care for one animal in [the] shelter, providing vital services and essentials as we prepare them for rehoming, including meals, veterinary care and enrichment.

Henry and Hattie, who are both about one year of age, helped celebrate the official opening of the new shop.

“Our shelter doesn’t receive government funding. We rely on donations and support from our community to continue our vital work.”

Previously located in Hamlyn Heights, the op shop closed its doors in October last year after reaching the end of its lease. The new site, which opened in November, was chosen for its larger size, convenient location for shoppers and proximity to the GAWS shelter in Moolap.

GAWS volunteer coordinator Kim Attard, who manages the op shop and oversaw the shop’s relocation, said GAWS was thrilled to give the local community another option for pre-loved clothes and items at affordable prices. “It is a great shopping strip within Newcomb, and we are located next to the Lifeline Op Shop, making it a one-stop shop for those on the hunt for second-hand items in good condition,” she said.

The op shop is open 10am to 4pm, Monday through Friday, and between 10am and 2pm on Saturday.