Stunning start for new op shop

Residents in the Moreton Bay Region love shopping, but no-one expected the staggering response to Mango Hill’s new YMCA Op Shop.

It opened on August 29 and within two weeks had to extend both the opening hours and days!

“That is all because of the wonderful response from the community,” says store supervisor Sharon Hazel, “it has surpassed our expectations.

“We started Monday-to-Saturday, 9am-4pm and thought we’d see how we go … maybe looking to expand the hours and days in four-to-six months.”

Super Sundays

By September 13 the weekday opening times had been extended to 5pm and Sunday had trading started – immediately becoming the shop’s busiest day ahead of Tuesdays.

The YMCA Op Shop at Mango Hill accepts all donations, except large furniture, dropped off during opening hours (one lady walked in with 30 bags) or at the rear of the shop.

If the donated items cannot be used, the shop explores other options to ensure as little as possible becomes landfill.

Amazing volunteers

Sharon is supported by 20 volunteers, who give anything from three hours to three days each week and students studying retail in the YMCA Vocational School above the shop.

“The volunteers are amazing,” said Sharon, “they are from all walks of life and everyone has a go at everything.”

Mango Hill is the second YMCA Brisbane Op Shop, the other being at Mt Gravatt.

Funds from both support the YMCA’s Schools Breakfast Program which provides more than 70,000 free breakfasts each month for students in more than 110 schools across South East Queensland.

Healthy start

The aim is for those in need to have a healthy start each day which will, in turn, help behaviour, engagement and academic performance.

The YMCA Op Shop, is at Shop 2, 22 Halpine Dr, Mango Hill, open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday 9am-3pm. Phone 3053 3820