b'Our kind of retail therapy.Theres a buzz on Prestons High Streetas treasure hunters search for bargains at our new op shop.From exquisite vintage dresses to quirky artThe volunteering role definitely helped improve and high-end designer label fashion, themy mental health, she said.Uniting Op Shop has opened its doors in timeIt was wonderful getting to know the other for Op Shop Week (26 September to 1 October). volunteers and regular customers.During this week, Uniting will be celebratingNicole says she enjoyed the scavenger hunt the power of our 18 opportunity shops and allaspect of op shops and helping people bagthe great things they do for the community,a bargain.environment and our wallets.For many of us, op shops are a fun day out,There were some beautiful designer and scouring for hidden gems but they also serve vintage dresses donated, she says.a greater purpose. Someone donated a whole collection of Dr Unitings op shops help raise funds to supportWho items and people went crazy for them.those doing it tough. They help us continueNicoles journey with Uniting didnt stop there. delivering our vital programs and services It wasnt long before she made the move from which allow people to put food on the table, volunteer to employee.get support for mental illness and find a warm,A marketing position had just become available safe bed to sleep in. and my background is in marketing, so I jumped Volunteers make up 93% of our op shop team at the opportunity to apply.and we simply couldnt operate our shopsAs fate would have it, the vacant position without them. involved marketing Unitings op shops.When Nicole started volunteering to overcomeIt felt like it was meant to be, says Nicole.the isolation caused by COVID-19 lockdowns, sheThe new Uniting Op Shop, open Tuesdayhad no idea the opportunities it would open. Saturday is located at 300-302 High St, Preston. I was struggling during lockdowns and I didntDrop in and check it out for yourself and maybe feel like myself, says Nicole. think about grabbing a volunteer application When things started to open again, I wanted form while youre there.to get out and be around people.I was browsing around my local op shop andFollow usstarted chatting to the volunteers and foundout they were looking for more volunteers. Find an OpShop Nicole started volunteering one day a week atnear youthe Uniting op shop in Werribee.Supporter Newsletter Spring 2022 3'