By Kath Gannaway
In just over seven years, the Golden Opportunity Shop in Wandin has increased its volunteer force more than fourfold.
And, although essentially it is run as part of the local Anglican Church, more than half of the 44 volunteers come from the wider community.
Each year, the shop returns thousands of dollars back to community organisations as far afield as Yarra Junction, Woori Yallock and Gruyere, including schools, fire brigades and welfare groups.
For all these reasons, and more, the Rotary Club of Wandin presented the Golden Opportunity Shop with the 2017 Community Service Award at its Australia Day Breakfast.
Manager Andrew Fraser and his wife Glenda accepted the award on behalf of the volunteers.
He said the forced move from Seville to Wandin seven years ago was initially a blow, but had proved a huge positive with more room to set up the shop as a modern op shop.
“People will remember you if you have a clean bright shop where things are easy to get off the racks, and staff who are pleasant, helpful, cheery and, importantly, want to be there,” he said.
Mr Fraser said to have an organisation such as Rotary, itself a valued community service organisation, deem that the work they did was of value to the community, was a great accolade.
“You don’t do these things for the recognition, but when someone like Rotary says you are doing a good job, that it’s a worthwhile thing that people give up their time, and that the community recognises that, that’s a good thing.”
Volunteer Annette said she got involved to give back to the community and was happy to be working with a shop which was totally run by volunteers.
“The community has been pretty good to me over time … it’s a lovely feeling to give back,” she said.
The shop operates two sessions on weekdays from 10 to 1 and 1 to 4, and Saturday 10 to 1 and is looking for volunteers.
If you can help with as little as half a day a month, you’d be joining an award-winning team. Phone volunteer co-ordinator Shirley Holland on 0407 501 032.
