Volunteers the treasures of Bunyip Op Shop
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There are many hidden treasures behind the blue picket fence of Bunyip Community Op Shop.
Whether those treasures are the hundreds of clothing pieces and trinkets, the homewares or the shops 30 volunteers is up in the air. But what Op Shop president Tony Arrigo knows for certain is that the shop would not run the way it does without volunteers and community support.
“We love to help the community as a whole,” he said. “And we hope to do it for a long time.”
Treasurer Carmelina Arrigo has been working in the op shop since its inception in 1998, and before that, she worked in Bunyip’s former Op Shop - a branch of the Red Cross.
She still works hard to keep the store running today.
Mr Arrigo said after the Red Cross shop closed the Bunyip Community Op Shop was created by the Bunyip township.
Since it opened it has changed locations three times - before finally coming to rest at number 7 High St - a former home and hairdressing shop. They have now held the residence for 15 years.
The profit made from the op shop at the end of the year goes back into the community, and after all the overheads are paid Mr Arrigo said the remainder goes back into the community.
This year he estimates that $40,000 will go back to local sporting clubs, community groups and those in need.
Mr Arrigo said once a year the shop invites locals to put forward applications detailing their upcoming projects and current needs.
The Bunyip Community Op Shop stocks basically everything one can dream up, from women’s, men’s and children’s clothes to books, CDs, crockery, linens and other homewares. It is stocked to the brim.
Upon entering the shop it appears small at first, but the further inside a person ventures, the more rooms appear and the more cool and quirky items pop up.
Whether a shopper is after a vintage piece or a classic DVD, they are sure to find something.
A long-time volunteer and president for three years, Mr Arrigo said the shop could not run without the work of committee members and volunteers - about 30 people combined. He said they enjoy coming into the shop and working together, sorting through items and creating displays.
Mr Arrigo said the volunteers are thankful for the many donations they receive from community members.
“We are here for everyone in the community,” he said.
Bunyip Community Op Shop operates from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday.