The generosity of donated goods has been overwhelming for the Social Justice Advocates (SJA) group of the Sapphire Coast.
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Just in time for Christmas, the group is ready to run its seventh Samaritan Op Shop at the Masonic Hall in Pambula.
Last year over $45,000 was raised in community donations and purchases.
This year it’s going to be bigger and better and the SJA is excited to show what useful and interesting items have been kept in storage – like a fishing boat, surfboards, and a car.
Mick Brosnan, of the SJA, said that there are nine sheds located around town, jam-packed with the community’s donated goods.
“One shed would be able to fill out the shop, so we have a lot to sell.”
“It’s amazing what has been donated, we have surf skis, a boat and even a car this year!” he said.
“There are a lot of white goods, like fridges and washing machines which are very popular items that sell, we have a lot of them this year which are in good working order.”
“We pretty much have everything except for clothes, he said.”
The Eden Motel has also donated mass amounts of furniture during their refurbishment this year.
“There is some very nice timber furniture from them, lots of it!” Mr Brosnan said.
The SJA have also brought an electrician along to tag every electrical item to confirm its safety.
A team of 60 volunteers are rolling up their sleeves and are ready to help set up and open the shop from December 15.
Sold items will be continually replaced by something different, taken from what has been kept in storage.
The SJA group’s focus is on homelessness and other social justice issues in the shire.
So far, the advocates have equipped five caravans and one self contained unit for the homeless.
They also run a food distribution program to Eden and also offer support to needy individuals.
Mr Brosnan has been amazed by the community who have helped to raise $300,000 over the last six years.
“It is the community that does it, it is them who donate and then buy. It truly does go around in one big giving circle,” he said.
The SJA is hoping to attract big crowds to the hall, helping to raise money and turnover stock.
To grab yourself a second-hand bargain or simply to sip on a coffee and have a browse, the shop will run from December 15-23 and January 2-27 at the Masonic Hall in Pambula.
The opening hours will be 8.30am until 5pm Monday to Friday, and 8.30am until 12pm on Saturdays.
