The Drouin Anglican Church Opportunity Shop celebrated its first anniversary in its new premises last Thursday with coffee, tea and a birthday cake.
The celebration took place at the Princes Way store and was attended by long-time volunteers and Anglican church officials including the Bishop of Gippsland Dr Richard Treloar and Drouin Rector James Webster.
The shop originally occupied premises in Commercial Place which the church rented from 1996 until 2023. The church had an opportunity to acquire the new premises in Princes Way last year and since its move the shop has flourished with some volunteers saying that such is its quality it could be renamed as the Drouin opportunity "boutique."
Rector Webster paid tribute to the volunteers and community for the success of the store. "We are so appreciative of those who volunteer their time and effort in receiving, cleaning and presenting the items and to members of the community for their donations."
Bishop Treloar said op shops like the Drouin shop were an important function of the church. "Not only does it serve a community need and allow the church to connect with the community, it is also a great service for the environment and the reduction of waste. It is an important part of the ministry of the church."
Bishop Treloar concluded the celebration with a blessing.
The shop is at 41-43 Princes Way in Drouin and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm and on Saturday from 9am to 2.30pm. Donations are only received at the op shop's warehouse at 65 Roberts Crt in Drouin which is open Mondays to Saturdays from 8.30am to 2.30pm.