By Mara Pattison-Sowden
The very first activity undertaken by the HL&LC was to open an opportunity shop that would support the centre as a fund-raising activity and contribute to a healthy local environment.
HL&LC manager Karen Kisala said it was quite forward thinking for the time as carbon credits and carbon footprints were “not even a blip on the environmental radar”.
“As well as providing great quality goods, our shops provide retail experience and training for volunteers and people looking to expand their horizons,” she said.
The op shop has been open and operating for the last 32 years, recycling goods and supporting the community of Healesville.
Ms Kisala said it soon earned a reputation as one of the best around Melbourne and buses filled with students and others were often seen parked out the front as part of their shopping tours.
“The East End Opportunity Shop provides good quality, recycled clothes and household goods at affordable prices,” she said.
“By re-using or sharing a product rather than buying a new one, you’re protecting the environment through saving water, energy and raw materials.”
“And by passing your clothes, accessories or equipment on to others, you are diverting materials from landfill, thus conserving resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
The East End Op-shop also supports other charitable organisations such as Diabetes Australia by donating materials to them that cannot be sold in the shop.
Ms Kisala said donations were always wanted, “but please be mindful, if it’s not good enough, then it’s not in our shop”.
Healesville Living and Learning Centre’s East End Opportunity Shop can be found at 309 Maroondah Highway, Healesville. Phone 5962 3431.
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