Charlotte Varcoe
REDUCE, reuse and recycle will be the main focus next week at Mount Gambier and Penola opportunity shops to promote reutilising secondhand clothing.
The initiative is part of National Recycling Week- which begins on Monday – with op shops across the city remaining open later than usual.
Promoting reusing previously owned clothing and the effects of fast fashion, volunteers from a number of thrift stores were excited to welcome new customers along to the night.
Taking part in the event, Salvos Thrift Shop manager Shauna Wood said volunteers were excited to welcome a range of new customers to the world of thrifting.
“We are hoping to promote the need to cut down on fast fashion and the night is all about recycling and upcycling,” Ms Wood said.
“There are a lot of other op shops which are also promoting the event and it gives the opportunity for those who work during the day to come along and see what we are all about.”
Ms Wood said when approached about the initiative, volunteers jumped at the opportunity.
“We are very conscious about what we put into the environment and do what we can to reduce that,” she said.
“We love thrifting and love the fact that people have the opportunity to get great quality items for cheap.
“But the best thing about being open later than usual is that it opens up the idea of thrifting to those who usually wouldn’t be able to do so due to other commitments.”
She said throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, volunteers understood it had been difficult on a large portion of the community, and they wished to continue showcasing the benefits of second-hand items.
“We want to use the evening to show how easy and cheap it can be to find things for family and friends especially leading up to Christmas,” Ms Wood said.
“We have a large range of Christmas decorations that we collect through donations all year which will also be available on the night.
“I think everyone should get on board, shop local, get thrifty and be smart because it is going to be wonderful weather and a wonderful opportunity for people to just go about the town and have a look at what is on offer.”
ADRA, Lifeline, St Vincent De Pauls, Church of Christ, Belltower and the Penola Op Shop will also take part and will be open until 7pm onTuesday.
