Community & Business
6 September, 2023
Op Shop returns $100k to Clifton
They might keep a low profile but the band of twenty-one volunteers operating the Clifton Community Op Shop are achieving mighty outcomes for the Clifton community with the staggering figure of $100,296.94 being returned to the local community since 2017.
Every town needs an organisation that raises money and then distributes it to the local community but not every town has one.
Fortunately for Clifton, the Op Shop volunteers now operating out of the Jam Factory Café is one such organisation and they are a band of quiet achievers.
The business model is simple but highly effective.
People, mainly locals but also from as far away as Brisbane and other districts, donate goods, mainly clothes but also furniture, children’s toys and books and the Op Shop sells them for super low prices.
Unbelievably, most items (excluding furniture) sell for a maximum price of $5 with most items selling for $1 or $2 per item.
This money is then distributed exclusively to Clifton district organisations such as the Scouts, Clifton Hospital, local schools and sporting clubs.
This operating system means that goods donated by locals generate money that stays in the local area.
Distribution of funds is through a grant system whereby local organisations apply for funding for particular needs such as the Wattles Football Club being given money for a gazebo to be used on game days.
The local pathology service was granted money for something as simple as a chair for patients to use while waiting.
The local Scout Group was granted money for a climbing wall and a fridge.
One important stipulation of receiving grant money is that where possible the money is spent in Clifton.
This circular flow of money is playing an important role in keeping the town financially viable while helping local organisations keep their head above water.
The message here is clear and simple in that by buying items from the shop you are helping not just others but yourself by funding the various local organisation you or your family members use or belong to.
Dianne Burke, who runs Clifton Community Op Shop, said the shop is currently having a linen sale and is soon to have a jean sale where men’s, women’s and children’s jeans will sell for as little as one dollar.
The Op Shop has a band of wonderful volunteers but can always use more so anyone with time to spare can help this community organisation by volunteering some time.
Volunteers enjoy the social experience and with the shop contained in the Jam Factory Café it is a great way to do something worthwhile and enjoy a coffee at the same time.
A recent announcement from the Op Shop stated that the last round of donations amounted to almost $18,000 which was gratefully received by ten local organisations made up of schools, clubs and sporting groups in the Clifton community and surrounds.
All volunteers who help operate the shop will no doubt feel a level of satisfaction and pride in the work they do for the local community.
In the meantime, there are one hundred thousand reasons why locals should support the Op Shop in some way.
