The idea formed during COVID-19, when residents were unable to be out and about in the Cundletown community.

“At Calvary St Paul’s Aged Care, we have a lot of residents who love op shopping, so they were feeling quite down about the restrictions. Through the support of the community, we were able to create an op shop in the home,” Calvary St Paul’s Aged Care’s Home Manager, Donna Friery, said.

“The op shop has grown over the years. Local companies, residents’ families and the community have kindly donated clothes.”

Calvary St Paul’s resident, Lorraine Rook, recently took on her dream role as Op Shop Manager. “It gives me a purpose in life being able to give back to the community,” Ms Rook said.

“We’ve got blouses, skirts, pants, jumpers and scarves, and the shop is open every day.”

The op shop has become increasingly popular and through the generosity of the community, donations have flooded in, resulting in an excess of clothes and accessories. In line with Calvary’s mission of being for others, residents and staff have decided to give back to the community that has been so generous to them.

“At Christmas time, our residents came up with the idea of putting together care packages from the excess stock for a local women’s shelter. Each package included an outfit, with accessories and jewellery that matches,” Ms Friery said.

Following the successful Christmas drive, residents have put together care packages for Mother’s Day, and they have been busy making sure everything is ready for this Sunday.

“The residents are really enjoying putting together care packages for the local women’s refuge. We’ve even had many of our residents’ families get involved in the initiative, which has been wonderful,” Ms Friery said.

“Sometimes residents fear losing their independence and purpose when they enter aged care but initiatives like these reduces that notion. Plus, helping a vital service in our local community has brought much joy to the residents.”

If you wish to donate to the Calvary St Paul’s Op Shop, call 6553 9219.