Tony’s Community Op-Shop
Updated 12 April 2023
Photography supplied
You may know Tony’s Community Kitchen as the local charity that serves up free, hearty dinners seven days a week, 365 days to those in need. What you may not know, is that it’s just one of a a variety of local initiatives they undertake, including it’s op-shop - which this week got a whole lot bigger.
Previously located near Master Hire on North Street and only opening a few short months ago, Tony’s Op-Shop was already busting at the seams thanks to the generosity of the community, with plans almost immdiately put in place for the new facility - one four times the size - opening this week just up the road.
For those that haven’t been, Tony's Op-Shop sells pre-loved clothing, accessories, household items, toys and furniture - think you’re standard op-shop fare, with plenty of bargains and a focus on quality. What what makes Tony’s unique, is that nothing is priced over $50, and all the profits go directly towards supporting their other charitable programs and community kitchen.
"We're excited to offer our customers a sustainable shopping option that supports our community," shared Tony Hurle, Founder & Director of Tony’s Community, the charity behind both initiatives. "Our hope is that Tony's Op-Shop will become a go-to destination for shoppers looking for affordable items while also supporting a great cause. To be opening up to a larger premisis [already], the demand and generosity of the community has been incredible since we opened the original store in February. We believe that Tony's Op-Shop is an incredible asset to the community, providing affordable and sustainable options for shoppers while also supporting our Community Kitchen – Tony’s Community Kitchen.”
The Community Kitchen itself, which was founded in 2020, is made up of more than 150 volunteers who donate their time to lovingly prepare, cook and serve nutritious meals seven nights a week, 365 days a year to those in need. This ensures those in our region who are homeless, experiencing economic stress, or alienated don’t go hungry and their basic needs are met, with the James Street base also offering shower and laundry facilities.
More than just a meal though, Tony shared that their ethos has always been to have genuine conversations and build connections with those who visit, making them feel welcomed and visible without judgement. Tony’s also connects its visitors with other external services such as healthcare and accommodation aid, to try and better the quality of life for all they interact with. In many ways the op-shop is just a further extention of their ethos; by providing access to quality goods at an affordable price and helping to fund the progroms so that they can continue to grow and support those that need help the most.
The new store is be located at 228-232 North Street and is open 9am to 2pm, 7 days a week from April-12.
For more information about Tony's Community and its charitable initiatives, visit www.tonyscommunity.com.au and of course, if you’d like to get involved, you can apply to be a Tony’s volunteer here. Volunteering could look like helping out at the op-shop or cooking a hearty dinner in the kitchen, or simply taking the time to meet with those in need and listen to their story. You can also give a much-appreciated cash donation here.
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