As the cost of living places increasing pressure on Illawarra household budgets, many turn to charity op shops out of necessity.
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Mark Sewell, CEO of Warrigal said op shops were a key resource for a range of demographics, from those living in aged care or community housing, to widows and those who are separated.
As a result, the shops, such as the long-running Warrigal Op Shop in Warilla, become staples of their communities.
Warrigal is a not-for-profit group operating retirement living and aged care services in the Illawarra.
"Warilla is a real salt of the earth community, and this op shop has been essential to that community," Mr Sewell said.
"People come in, have a look around and chat to people just as part of their normal social daily events."
In the lead-up to National Op Shop Week (Monday, September 30 to Sunday, October 6), the newly refurbished and revamped Warrigal Op Shop in Warilla had its grand re-opening on Friday.
After 35 years in operation, Warrigal Warilla's Op Shop closed its doors in June.
The op shop is entirely volunteer-run, and during that time the Warrigal Ladies Auxiliary raised $1 million for their older residents.
Mr Sewell said funds raised go to "people who are of low means who live at Warrigal, who need funds to buy things for their own comfort and assistance".
"It's things like electric beds, wheelchairs, rugs and blankets and that type of thing," he said.
"Every cent goes back to a charity to support older people who are doing it tough in Warrigal - people who don't have means."
As part of National Op Shop Week, community members are also encouraged to donate high-quality goods, volunteer in a shop, or buy some new gear.
The community can donate items to Warrigal's Op Shop, which is located on George Street, Warilla, or offer to volunteer at the shop.
Mr Sewell said many people also embraced the op shop culture.
"People love op shops - the whole vintage phenomena is creating all these op shops everywhere," he said.
Friday's event at Warilla included Warrigal executives on the catwalk modelling op shop clothes.
The Warrigal executives (see picture) wore the following items:
*Penelope Batman in a Boutique Belle Australian designed coat, on sale for $15.
*Mark Sewell in a tweed suit, striped RM Williams shirt and complementary tie for a total of $25.
*Alissa Walsh in a blue dress, at a cost of $5.
*Ben Marsh got ready for summer, sporting a Hawaiian shirt, pipeline surf shorts and hat for $10.
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
