Op shops finding community spirit a top-seller

The workshops coincided with National Op Shop Week.

At the Belmont op shop last Wednesday, people learnt how to turn dainty saucers, wine glasses and cups into practical cupcake holders.

Anglicare op shop volunteers will also start making and selling their own ‘Been There’ wares in a bid to repurpose odds and ends that may sit on the shop shelves for months.

Proceeds from op shop sales go back to Anglicare WA, and the store also collects donations for its adopted service Arbor, which offers suicide bereavement counselling and support groups.

Arbor manager Cheryl Metcalfe attended the Belmont workshop and said ABS statistics show about 250 suicides occurred in WA this year.

‘We talk about the ripple effect ” about 10 people are affected by any one death ” that’s about 2500 people per year affected,’ she said.

Anglicare WA social enterprise general manager Anna Presser said the launch of the workshops was the culmination of a three-year vision.

‘We find a lot of people who come in want to have a chat, that’s what they don’t get at large discount stores,’ Mrs Presser said.

‘We encourage people to come in and find a treasure, but give back at the same time.’

The store recently raised more than $500 in support of a memorial walk.