Glenda Fraser, Archdeacon Stephen May, Bishop Barbara Darling and Shirley Holland at the opening of Seville’s Golden Opportunity Shop last Tuesday. 33604
By Simone Hare
SEVILLE residents know a golden opportunity when they see one.
Seville’s first op shop, aptly named the ‘Golden Opportunity Shop’, was opened in the main street of Seville on Tuesday 14 July by Melbourne’s first female Anglican bishop, the Right Reverend Barbara Darling.
The shop, an outreach activity undertaken by the Anglican St Paul’s parish in Seville and partner parish St James in Wandin, will be run by church volunteers.
St Paul’s parish member, Glenda Fraser, said she was pleased with the response from the local community.
“We wanted to focus on community outreach. We’ve had a good community response. They couldn’t wait for it to open,” Ms Fraser said.
Bishop Darling said the shop would act as a centre of the community, and provide an avenue for the church to interact with members of the community, lend a listening ear and a helping hand.
“It’s also a way to show God’s love in the community,” she said.
The opening of the shop coincided with Open Church Week, a time Bishop Darling said was perfect to celebrate Seville’s newest venture.
In the first day of trading the shop raised $700, a figure that pleased church volunteers.
Funds generated by the shop will be put back into the community with the potential to fund other outreach programs such as school holiday programs, aiding young mums, and to assist in sustaining the parish.
The Golden Opportunity Shop is located along the Warburton Highway in Seville, next to Seville Fresh Fruit.
To donate clothes, books, toys or any other household items please contact the Golden Opportunity Shop on 0415 938 527.
