With the sale period running for two weeks in April and the middle of September, the store managed to raise over $83,000.
Manager of the Goodies store, Ann Ellermann, revealed that the money raised from the sale of clothing and other items including jewellery, linen, ornaments and books is put to good use.
“We support the Flying Doctor Service of Australia, Aboriginal projects and children’s feeding programs overseas,” she said.
“The children we supported by our funds for five years were in the Luzon district of the Philippines. They are children who work on the rubbish dumps with the parents.”
Ms Ellermann who has been managing the store for the past seven years, also utilised her experience as a chef in the Hope’s Café kitchen for almost two years, when the cafe initially opened.
Her background as a missionary worker for Uniting Church is what prompted her to join Hope’s Café and the Goodies shop in the first place. “I worked for the church in mission work for several years in Sri Lanka and India,” she said. “When we came home, my husband passed away suddenly, so I dived into more work. I have always enjoyed helping people, and I enjoy the challenge of improving the shop and the quality of goods we sell.”
Staff members celebrated the 20th birthday anniversary of the Goodies store back in April this year. The milestone was celebrated with a lunch at Hope’s Café, whereby both current and former volunteers attended the event.
On average, the Goodies store attracts around 50 to 55 customers per day and over 90 on a really good day. Clothes and goods are solely donated by individuals, but are occasionally supplied by closing down stores. In addition to the retro, vintage and used clothing available, the store often receives designer clothes and well recognised brands such as Autograph, Black Pepper and Maggie T.
Items remaining after a sale or that have been in the store for a while are donated to service providers such as Anglicare, Diabetes SA and Second Chances SA.
The Goodies Op Shop is open from Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, and 10am to 1pm on Saturdays. Anyone interested in volunteering at the store can drop by or call (08) 8332 8631.
By Alma Ramcilovic
Journalism Volunteer
The Goodies Op Shop located in Beulah Park has experienced success during this year’s sales.
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INSPIRE / October 20163
Click here to visit the Goodies Op Shop website.