THE sale of bargain-priced goods at a jumble sale at a Millicent church has led to a $5000 donation to bushfire victims on Kangaroo Island.
The Seventh Day Adventist Church has long operated a twice-weekly thrift shop to assist local welfare agencies, but the plight of the fire-affected communities prompted an even greater response.
The Williams Road shop opened on eight extra days in early January and a garage sale was held in the grounds of the church.
Church and community members donated goods to the expanded sale and there was a strong response from locals and tourists alike.
As some indication of the large turnover, adult clothing sold for only $2 per item.
Church spokesperson Jeanette Grosser said the 10 volunteers who man the thrift shop decided on the extra measures over that fortnight-long period for the sake of bushfire relief.
Ms Grosser said a Victor Harbor couple had also come to Millicent to stock and staff the garage sale.
“The op shop is operated by Millicent Adventist Community Welfare and usually all of its proceeds go to the Crisis Relief counsellor in Millicent,” Ms Grosser said.
“The counsellor issues food, petrol and rent vouchers each week to people in need.
“For the bushfire relief, we opened 9am-3pm for a fortnight for every day with the exception of Saturdays.
“We wish to thank the people of Millicent and the visitors for donating goods and for their purchases.”
The actions of Millicent Adventist Community Welfare have been applauded by Millicent shopper Kerry Nott.
“It is awesome the donation of $5000 is going to Kangaroo Island,” Ms Nott said.
“It is all about kindness and giving back.”
The Kangaroo Island Council recently set up the KI Mayoral Relief and Recovery Bushfire Fund and it will receive the $5000 raised by Millicent Adventist Community Welfare.
Kangaroo Island mayor Michael Pengilly described the donations coming from all quarters as an incredible response.
“I cannot begin to comprehend the generosity of people from around the globe who are donating to the appeal fund for our fire ravaged community,” Mr Pengilly said.
“I am stunned and humbled.
“The determination shown by those burnt out is incredible.”
