A pop-up store in Pambula has raised almost $40,000 to tackle social issues.
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Social Justice Advocates Of The Sapphire Coast’s Mick Brosnan said The Samaritan Op Shop has exceeded expectations since its opening in December.
“Through the continued magnificent generosity of our community, the Samaritan Op Shop has raised in excess of $37,000 for our community,” he said.
“It will be used to extend our homeless program of five caravans and one unit.”
Mr Brosnan said the organisation subsidises rent on the housing for the homeless, and every dollar collected counts.
“We also have our campaign to raise awareness of the negative social issues of domestic violence, refugees and asylum seekers through our forums, and the huge blight reflecting our community of youth suicide,” Mr Brosnan said.
He said household items are collected throughout the year by the organisation and donated to various services, such as the Women’s Resource Centre, Mission Australia and the South East Women and Children's Services.
He said the annual pop-up shop is the organisation’s main fundraiser for the year.
“We want to help the professional organisations, and people have been exceedingly generous,” he said.
Last year over $45,000 was raised in community donations and purchases.
Shoppers have come from near and far, he said.
“We’ve had a lot of people holidaying this year, we’ve had a lot of people come,” Mr Brosnan said.
He said the group is looking to expand it’s scope in 2018.
“We very much want to expand our involvement with and community awareness of the above social justice issues by supporting the professional service providers,” Mr Brosnan said.
“We thank all who have helped this far at the shop to raise this money and invite all to the last two weeks.”
Sixty volunteers have been hard at work since the shop opened on December 15, just in time for Christmas.
The shop is open until Saturday, January 27 at the Pambula Masonic Hall, and is open from 8.30am until 5pm Monday to Friday, and 8.30am until 12pm on Saturdays.