By Sheree Hoddinett
When you first walk into the Op Shop (the building behind the Bribie Island Church of Christ) you’re greeted with warm, welcoming smiles.
The dedicated team of volunteers love what they do and it shows in this little hidden gem at Bongaree. For more than 20 years, the Op Shop has been providing for the Bribie Island community and they have no intention of slowing down anytime soon.
“We have a lot of regular customers and so many visitors coming in to find a bargain,” coordinator Janelle explains. “But we love everyone coming in, even if it’s just for a chat because they’re lonely, we’re happy to create that sense of community with a friendly and warm atmosphere. We care about each person that comes in, we’re here for people.
“Our Mission Statement, which sits proudly on the wall, is ‘reaching out to our community with the care, concern and compassion of our Saviour Jesus Christ’, because that's a big part of who we are.”
Janelle and fellow volunteer Sue are both part of the church and relish the opportunity to serve the community.
“Along with the Op Shop, we also have a food bank and we do a lot of work around domestic violence with other community groups on the Island,” Janelle said. “They’ll ask if we have some items to assist or can we help out with clothes and so we help out that way, but we’re also very quiet in the way we do things, because we just work with the community. Global Care bring their excess food items to us and they’re all free to our customers.”
Extremely humble about the role they play, these ladies are part of a team (currently 32 volunteers) who are proud to make a difference where they can.
“Volunteering is just such a beautiful thing to do. It is so satisfying,” Sue said. “And that is why we’re all here because we love to help.”
And they’re always happy to welcome new faces to join the team.
“We don't say no,” Janelle said. “And we always have the right people that ask if they can volunteer, they just fit in perfectly.”
While donations are a big part of what they sell in the shop, you may not realise they also receive factory seconds that are donated, which are repaired and washed as necessary before being placed out on the racks for customers to purchase.
“Some pieces might have a little tear or a stain, they might be missing a button or have pockets on back to front,” Janelle said. “So our mending ladies work their magic and fix them so you wouldn’t even know.
“These clothes are brand new, current fashion, which are donated regularly and priced accordingly.”
Clothing items start at $3 and are described as the “best quality you can get, it doesn’t come on the floor if it isn’t”. Proceeds go towards supporting local school chaplains.
“A big part of our focus is on helping kids,” Sue said. “There’s a lot of parents who can’t afford uniforms and then there’s feeding some kids breakfast and lunch and we know our chappies work hard to provide those things, so that’s what we help with and support where we can. It’s very rewarding to help young people, because it’s an investment in them and their future.”
Donations are always welcome, although they are unable to take large pieces of furniture but can refer you on to those who can.
Drop in and say hi to the Op Shop team at 42 Foley Street (second building behind the church), Bongaree. They’re open six days a week, Monday – Friday 8.30am to 1pm and Saturday 8am to 12noon. For further information, please email bribieislandchurchofchrist@gmail.com.
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