Best buddies help keep doors open

BUDDIES Op Shop has sought to be a source of community support and second-hand goods for more than two decades.

Co-ordinator Howard Mason said the treasure trove of pre-loved items had been its current location in Budd hall, next to St John’s church at Heathcote, since the mid-2000s.

“It started as a monthly mini market in early the 1990s,” he said. “It was a fundraiser and we used to have it out in the grounds.”

“The idea behind Buddies is to sell low-cost goods at a reasonable price to the community, but it’s also a place that wants to be a good neighbour, a place of hospitality, listening and engagement with the people that come in.

“You hear their stories, everyone’s got a story, although you don’t always hear them straight away.

“I think a lot of the people who come in and talk to us aren’t looking for practical help, they just appreciate that you’re listening to them.”

Heather Zakrzewski has been a St Johns parishioner for many years.

“I’ve always been involved with Buddies one way or the other,” she said.

“After my husband died and I got to the stage where I needed to out into the community and pick up my life again, I started volunteering.”

Ms Zakrzewski said she’s been working in the shop since 2015.

“The best part is helping the customers to find what they need and also the fellowship with the other people who work here,” she said.

“We often get ladies come in who are looking for a special outfit for a wedding or a party,” she said.

“They pick out things and they try them on, and we help them to dress themselves up and that’s a lot of fun. They appreciate that.”

Mr Mason said there had been many surprises over the years but one of the most memorable was the donation of a pole-dancing pole.

“Actually it’s a competition sport,” he said. “The lady who brought it in said she had bought a new one so would we like the old one?

“I said I didn’t know what we’d do with it, but somebody bought it, somebody local.”

Buddies receives about 200 kilograms of clothing donations each week.

“We sort out what goes in the shop,” Mr Mason said. “The surplus goes overseas, through a company, for rags and second-hand clothing, but we recycle as much as we can.”

Parish treasurer Pam Mason said Buddies currently had a team of 12 helpers.

“They do a terrific job,” she said.

Mr Mason echoed her sentiments.

“It couldn’t operate without our wonderful, dedicated volunteers,” he said.