ONE of Sturt Street\u2019s much-loved seven hundred-block shops is coming back to life with the support of passionate volunteers.<\/p>\n
Having closed 18 months ago due to the pandemic, and then renovation works, the Friends of Hospice Op Shop near UFS at 723 Sturt Street is reopening this coming Monday, 9 August.<\/p>\n
Ballarat Hospice Care CEO Carita Clancy said it\u2019s returning to operation as a fresh boutique.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe shop is brimming with winter coats, jackets, boots and gorgeous pre-loved treasures,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur volunteers have been working hard to prepare for the reopening, and we are all looking forward to welcoming the community back to the shop.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the past we have enjoyed wonderful community support through the Op Shop. We seek that support again now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Clancy is looking forward to the essential funds the store will once again raise, directed straight to the organisation\u2019s \u201cspecialist palliative care\u201d throughout the Ballarat community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIncome from the Op Shop eases the reliance on State Government funds and are used to further enhance patient and family quality of life and continual improvements on how we provide care.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis includes the purchase of equipment allowing people to be cared for in their home,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Op Shop coordinator Darcy Irvin said customers are keen to come in, have a browse and support the cause.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery day we were working to prepare the shop before the July lockdown and there were people lined up outside, interested to come in and start shopping,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be terrific to open the doors and let them in, and the volunteers have missed being together and working for the Hospice cause.<\/p>\n
Volunteer Carol Hanrahan has been involved for five years, and is keen to serve customers again as they make a special visit for op-shop items, or duck in on their way to and from the pharmacy nearby.<\/p>\n