From small beginnings to great things

This National Op Shop Week, held from 21 – 27 August, the Kalkee Op Shop will celebrate 16 years of business and its significant contribution to community and renovation projects at the Kalkee Community.

“The op shop is an essential part of the Uniting AgeWell Kalkee Community,” says Uniting AgeWell Kalkee Volunteer Coordinator Heather Burger.

“Over the years it has contributed enough funds to purchase two mini-buses for community outings, harps for palliative care and numerous renovation projects at the residential sites and Independent Living Units.”

Staffed entirely by volunteers, the Kalkee Op Shop has a family atmosphere with long term volunteers, some racking up more hours each week than your average office job.

Geelong woman Jann Brearley has volunteered five-and-a-half days a week for the last nine years and oversees the day-to-day operations of the shop.

Ms Brearley was recently recognised for her work with people undertaking community service and nominated for the Victorian Government Community Partnership Award, an award that celebrates the diverse partnerships that Corrections Victoria has with the Victorian community

“We welcome volunteers from all walks of life, from professionals, seniors and jobseekers to those undertaking community service,” she says.

“Everyday is different and there’s never a dull moment, with many volunteers staying even after they’ve completed their service period.”

According to Ms Brearley the Kalkee Op Shop is also a place for people in the community to come in and have a chat.

“For many who come in, we are the only people they talk to the entire day, so we try to provide them with a bit of companionship,” she says.

“We sell clothes, kitchenware and small furniture items as well as act as lay counsellors, listening and chatting to our customers.”

The Kalkee Op Shop is located at 50 Francis Street Belmont with all funds going towards supporting Uniting AgeWell Kalkee Community projects.