Op shop move is already paying off for Vinnies at Tailem Bend
The team at St Vincent de Paul say they’re busier than ever after moving into the old Masonic hall on Railway Terrace.
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Tailem Bend’s Vinnies volunteers say they’re busier than ever after moving their op shop into new premises on Railway Terrace.
The doors to the new op shop at number 47, on the corner of South Terrace, opened last week.
Since then, manager Diane Smith said, a steady stream of well-wishing locals, supportive business owners and passing tourists had streamed through the door at the old Masonic hall.
“It has been really nice,” Ms Smith said.
“The whole town has been behind us.”
Inside, visitors could find everything from clothing to jewellery, books and DVDs, homewares, personal care items, toys and craft materials – even luggage, picture frames and curtains.
Customer Lynette Langcake said she dropped in three times a week to see if anything new had arrived.
“I love it,” she said.
“I shop for my grandkids and my great-grandkids.
“If I can get a bargain here, I will.”
Vinnies had previously operated out of a building on the corner of Kulde Road and Station Drive.
But volunteer Liz Connolly said the move to a more prominent spot was already paying off.
“Caravanners that forget things (when they leave home) come in for a saucepan and a tea towel,” she said.
“We’ve doubled our sales.”
For every six dollars spent in the store, St Vincent de Paul donates a free meal to someone in need.
The charity also provides blankets and bedding, food parcels from Foodbank SA and vouchers for clothing or food to needy locals, and can help them pay to have their prescriptions filled at the chemist down the street.
Its volunteer team of about 10 is always willing to take on new members.
- Get help: Call St Vincent de Paul on 1300 729 202 or visit the shop at 47 Railway Terrace, Tailem Bend between 9am and 5pm on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
- Volunteer: Call Diane on 8572 3544 or visit the shop.
- More information: www.vinnies.org.au.
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