By VANESSA VALENZUELA
BRIMBANK residents celebrated the opening of the new Wayside Bargain Centre in Sunshine last month which will help raise funds to serve the community.
The Wayside Opportunity Shop underwent major renovations last year and re-opened its doors to the public before Christmas.
Lentara UnitingCare renovated the op shop to become its signature bargain centre in Melbourne which will sell a range of low-cost items to raise money for a good cause.
All materials sold are used to help provide a range of community-based services such as children’s well-being programs, family services and emergency relief.
Operations Manager Casey O’Brien said the renovation had created a bigger, more attractive centre for Brimbank residents.
“Historically, the previous op shop managed on their own with the materials so the goods we had come in, even though we had a lot, we had no way to refresh stock,” Mr O’Brien said.
Mr O’Brien says the bargain centre is a part of Lentara UnitingCare’s central warehousing system which ensures that the store is always fully-stocked and regularly refreshed.
“The reason it was set up was because we wanted to have a look at way of better harnessing the donations we get from the community and we get a substantial amount of donations from Sunshine.”
Mr O’Brien said Lentara UnitingCare is always on the lookout for new volunteers.
“It is an ideal opportunity to be involved with a group of people who are motivated and you get the opportunity to provide a service to the public,” he said.
“For some people it’s the opportunity to build a skill base prior to going on to employment, and others are motivated because they want to give back to the community.”
For more information or to become a volunteer call the Wayside Bargain Centre on 9311 5900.
