Manilla and Attunga bargain hunters on their way to and from Tamworth will be pleased to hear that the area’s newest opportunity shop Fabulous Finds will open its doors for business at the Uniting Church, Hallsville this Friday.
The second-hand clothing/bric-a-brac outlet on Manilla Road will be open from 10am to 4pm every Friday and Saturday with a smorgasbord of pre-loved items for the passionate bargain hunter to sift through.
Fabulous Finds’ Operator Margaret Crowell said that the outlet is not just about raising money for the church to distribute to local charities. While the fundraising aspect is significant, just as important to Fabulous Finds is meeting and building a friendly atmosphere around its clients.
“We’re very much about offering friendliness towards people by not only keeping our doors open so they can come in and go out, but also keeping our ears and eyes, hearts and minds open so we can build something special within our little community,” Margaret said.
“We may be challenged by Covid restrictions at the moment (customers also need to be double-vaccinated), but we will be offering coffee gatherings for customers and visitors to the shop. Sometimes our work is to listen and talk, and when we take the time to listen to others, we recognise their value as people. And we have plenty of parking available within the church grounds.”
Everything from pre-loved clothing, bric-a-brac of all descriptions, tools, and electrical items will be available for sale. “If anyone can’t find something absolutely fabulous, then they’re not looking hard enough,” Marg joked.
Like many op shops, their livelihood depends on the donations of goods. But in recent weeks while setting up shop, Fabulous Finds has been inundated with donations from generous public, so are asking that people hold onto their donations until the New Year. These may be left in the foyer of the main church entrance during opening hours.
“Items we cannot accept and sell are goods covered by Australian laws regarding mandatory safety standards like bike helmets, prams, strollers, cots, mattresses, baby capsules or sharp instruments like knives.”
Volunteers will also be welcomed into the throng, according to Margaret.
“There are a lot of elderly people around here living on their own and looking for something constructive to do outside. We’ll welcome them with open arms, or if they didn’t want to be part of the working team, we’d love them to just call in and have a cuppa with us. Op shops are great community facilities where people often take the time just to meet and have a chat.”
Anyone who has an interest in joining the Fabulous Finds team as a volunteer can contact Margaret on 0408 660025.
By Vinnie Todd