By JESSE GRAHAM
AFTER setting up at the west end of Healesville in a new shop on 1 November 1995, the Lions Club of Healesville has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the community.
Lion’s Den Op-Shop member Bert Bresser said the shop has raised about $1.5 million in its 24 year history.
As of 1 November, the shop will have officially been at 183 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, for 20 years, having previously spent four years in another spot across the road.
Member Elaine Dossor said the Lions’ Den moved across the street on 16 October, though the lease began as of 1 November.
She said the shop was the brainchild of Lions member Roy Collins who took on the project and brought members along with him.
“And we haven’t looked back,” she said.
“It’s been wonderful because we target the schools, fire brigades and kindergartens.
“In turn they bring us in the stock and we give them the proceeds.”
The op-shop sells books, clothing, records and homewares, among other items, and uses the proceeds for donations or for community projects.
Ms Dossor said building the Healesville Senior Citizens Hall was one of the Lions Club’s projects, as was the clock that sits by the intersection at the west-end of the town’s main street.
She said that 22 volunteers work with Lions members to run the shop.
Helen Waixel said she volunteered at the shop twice a week.
“Particularly now I’m retired, it gave me something to do and I help out as much as I can here,” she said.
“It’s amazing 20 years has gone – it’s just gone.”
To mark the 20 years, Ms Dossor said the shop will be holding a celebration on Wednesday 4 November, with give-away show bags, and would be running a raffle for a large quilt.
Funds raised through the raffle will go to Days for Girls, an organisation that provides sanitary hygiene kits to girls and women around the world.
The raffle will be drawn at 1pm on 4 November.
For more information, visit the Lions’ Den Op-Shop at 183 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, or phone 5962 1251.
