Two Op-Shops become one

THE Little Op Shop at 18 Main Street is moving to join the Prom Community Op Shop at 78 Main street or affectionately known as the Garage.

The two Prom Community Op Shops have been dynamic and quirky fixtures in Foster main street for nearly five years. Run by passionate volunteers who give their time and energy to rejuvenate discarded items a second life as well as generating much needed funds for Linton Court and Prom Country Aged Care. 

“The decision by the board of Prom Aged Services Fund Raising is to ensure the wonderful work of volunteers can thrive into the future whilst directly supporting a community cause” says Sandy Bucello Board member, “…consolidating the two shops into one means the team can be together on one site to unify a stronger future.”   

Unfortunately, over the past 18 months the impact of the pandemic has meant the Op Shops have had to be closed for significant periods of time, and when open the number of customers at any one time needed to be reduced to comply with mandatory social distancing guidelines making trading difficult. 

The pandemic has also had an impact on our ability to retain our volunteers who are critical to our business.  The leadership team met with our volunteers this week to discuss the decision and welcome their input into the transition to the new format at the Prom Community Op Shop Garage site. Consolidating to one location will give us the  ability to grow, improve and incorporate the outdoor space which is critical in Covid times. 

The move to 78 Main Street will occur pre Christmas. A gentle refurbishment will occur at the new site to make way for stock and our volunteers. In the future, subject to good trading, the team has exciting plans for further improvements.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers who support the business and the purpose of the Op shop which is to raise funds to ensure suitable accommodation for older people in our community.

We would also like to acknowledge the generosity of the Kidd family who own the building at 18 Main Street. Their support in reducing the cost of rental over many months ensured our sustainability during these tough times and we have appreciated the support and flexibility of our agreement.  

As one team we look forward to welcoming you to the Garage site pre-Christmas in its new format. A community project can only continue with your support as important Customers and Donors, and we ask that you continue to support this cause. 

We are always looking for new volunteers, so if you are interested, please don’t hesitate to pick up an information sheet at the counter at both shops or contact us directly (Di 0417 303 505 – Volunteer Coordinator).

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