Coming out of Sauce, on Station St one day this week I spotted a new one 'Collectables Boutique Op Shop.' So little Archie and I went in to check it out.
Before long Jane, the lady in charge came out and explained to me the purpose behind this op shop. She's part of Yellowbridge Qld, a not-for-profit organisation offering training, housing and disability support to people with disabilities. Collectables was created with the desire to provide jobs and purpose for these people. Jane is passionate about helping create a life for people with disabilities, so that they can live like everyone else. They like to have a job and earn money for themselves just like anyone else. At the moment the store is new and not able to pay the staff, but down the track they hope to have paid positions. On the counter was a lovely young lady with down's syndrome. She looked delighted to be in her position at the counter and as soon as I'd made my selection she was there ready to serve, her face beaming. It was really special to see how fulfilled she looked with this opportunity that had been given to her.
For others, serving in the store may not be their forte, but craftsmanship is. There's a men's group teaching woodworking skills to those who are interested, and their creations are also for sale in the store. I was impressed with the quality of the timber stools they'd made!
Just as impressive was the style and layout of the store. Someone's got the knack for decorating! It really was a little boutique, with everything set out tastefully and beautifully. Prices on the stock were very reasonable too, which you don't normally find when the store is labelled a 'boutique.'
Collectables are specialising in kitchen/gift/vintage type items, but will also take furniture donations which they post on their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/YBcollectables/?ref=py_c