By Jed Lanyon
Healesville’s new Salvos store is getting into the Christmas spirit by creating a Christmas tree made entirely of ties.
Salvos staff member Amanda Dunham created the tree after collecting the ties for over 12 months
“We are in Christmas mode and I wanted to have something different to a normal tree,” she said.
“I’ve had this tree in mind for about 18 months and have been saving up ties for it for about 12 months.
“I’m a big op shopper and go to tip shops as well. I just like to rescue things and find ways to re-use them that may be inspirational for other people.
“I have done other kinds of different and strange trees in the past too.
Ms Dunham created another Christmas tree made out of silverware that is also on show in store.
“It’s something else that tends to sit around in op shops… They get donated a lot so I’m coming up with ways to reuse them that is fun and inspirational.”
Ms Dunham said that the tree has been a hit with customers, who have been sharing their stories about their own ties at home or wanting to take a photo.
Ms Dunham created the tree at her house in Croydon and then had the difficult task of wrapping it up and transporting it to Healesville on the back of a trailer.
She challenges visitors to try and find specific ties that are from 90’s sporting events and other businesses.
Healesville Salvos welcomes shoppers to donate $2 to help buy a hot coffee or tea for a person in need this Christmas.
“It’s for $2 and you can buy as many as you want by cash or eftpos. The money goes towards buying a hot drink for someone,” Ms Dunham said.
Visitors who donate are then able to take part in guessing how many ties are attached to the Christmas tree, with the correct guesser awarded a box of chocolates.
Healesville Salvos is on the search for additional volunteers. For those looking to help out in the community, contact 5962 2945.
