BERETS to books, dolls to DVDs, jackets to gym clothes, cutlery to curtains, the new Richmond Legacy op shop under No Limits Gym is now open.
Since the new premises has about half the space of the old East Market Street shop, volunteers Joyce Marshall and Joan Chalk were only unpacking the best stuff when the Courier dropped in.
Satin stilettos, leopard-skin gumboots (size 38 if you’re interested), and red pointy-toed pumps took our eye as well as a near-new well-cut black blazer.
Delicate bikinis in black and yellow appeared brand new, and there were handbags, scarves, boots and sandals.
There were also children’s clothes, a heap of men’s trousers and jackets and the odd suit.
“We aren’t putting the clothes out in sizes anymore as there isn’t the room,” Ms Marshall said. “But I’ve been colour coordinating things as they do that overseas and it looks lovely.”
The new premises at 324 Windsor Street has a huge change room, and a sorting and ironing room with sink, fridge and microwave.
They are still taking clean, sellable donations as well. So not all donations are clean? “You should see some of the clothes that get brought in!” Ms Chalk said. “The ones on the top of the bag might be clean, then you get down the bottom of the bag – sometimes you don’t even want to touch them!”
Needless to say, such items are thrown away.
Legacy’s operations manager Phillip Bowcock was there on Tuesday as well, and said it had been a hard winter for Legacy widows. “We’ve lost about 500,” he said, of the 70,000 nationally they still help.
In the early to mid 20th century the numbers got as high as 120,000, Legacy’s COO David Gaddes said.
The organisation is currently gearing up for its annual fundraiser – Legacy Badge Week, centring on Badge Day, September 1, which will help Hawkesbury Legacy’s 180 widows who still need it.
Mr Bowcock said “we’re one of the few organisations that can put their hand on their heart and say all the fundraising goes straight to the beneficiaries”. Overheads and adminstration are paid for by bequests and the like.
Legacy Week is from Sunday, August 27 - Saturday September 2. Volunteer collectors are still needed. If you can spare some time during Legacy Week contact marketing@legacy.com.au.