The Full Story
Sunnyside House Op-Shop
Our Op Shop is a vibrant community hub where every purchase makes a meaningful impact. Operated by a dedicated team of volunteers, the shop raises vital funds that directly support the residents of Sunnyside House—from enhancing comfort and lifestyle to helping fund major items.
Donations, volunteer involvement, and community patronage help ensure that all proceeds stay local, continuing to improve the lives of older people in our region.
The shop and volunteers
The funds raised at the shop are presented to Sunnyside House at the AGM each year and are used entirely for the benefit of our residents—supporting everything from new furniture and equipment to the purchase of our 12-seater bus.
The shop is run by a dedicated team of volunteers. Some take on leadership responsibilities, while others contribute their time whenever they can. Sunnyside House is incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from these volunteers, as well as from the generous donors and loyal customers who visit from near and far. Every dollar raised stays within our community to support the continued wellbeing of Sunnyside House and its residents.
We are always looking for new volunteers. Any time you can offer is greatly appreciated. Please drop into the shop or contact Sunnyside House directly to find out how you can get involved.
A brief history
During the war and up until the late 1940’s Camperdown CWA conducted a weekly stall in a weatherboard building just in front of the current Lions street stall. They raised funds for the Red Cross and Comfort Fund in the early years. Then in 1945 the CWA Old Folks Home Committee was formed and the funds from the stall were channeled into that project.
On 23rd October 1950, a meeting was held in the Mechanics Hall and the Sunnyside Auxiliary was formed. The CWA Old Folks Home Committee was asked to join the new Auxiliary, and they did at the end of 1950.
Until 1965 the Auxiliary raised a considerable amount of money by catering – they catered for weddings, dinners, suppers at dances, clearing sales. They also had a second hand dealer’s licence until 1965 when legislation changed and it became unnecessary. Donations of saleable items were many and varied in the early years – chooks, pups, kittens, rabbits (until the sale of livestock was banned), as well as the items we sell today – clothing, shoes, plants, kitchen items.
