A SHOP set up to help those in need has commemorated its 25th year of bringing care to the people of Frankston.
The St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, colloquially known as Vinnies, opened its Frankston store offering preloved clothing, furniture and bric-a-brac at reasonable prices to fund support for the community.
“Twenty-five years in a community is a significant time,” St Vincents de Paul Society Victoria general manager Jeff Antcliff said.
“Vinnies is a quintessential part of the Frankston community, loved for its role in helping to raise funds for people doing it tough and as a friendly point of contact.”
Long-term volunteer Lorraine Auchettl said while the shop moved from its former premises in Ross Street to its current location in Young Street only a year ago, it’s enjoyed a long and happy presence in Frankston.
“Many of our customers followed us to our new shop,” she said.
“And it’s not just because we have a great selection of quality second-hand clothes and bric-a-brac, I’d like to think it’s also because they like to shop here. No one rushes anyone, and we’ve got quite a lot of young volunteers in their early 20s and even younger.”
Twenty-year-old volunteer Brandon Urquhart says there’s a real sense of community at the shop.
“When I first started almost a year ago I thought I wouldn’t last, but here I am. Still. And I love it. Knowing that I’m working in a shop that’s helping people—that I’m really giving back—is a great feeling. It’s really fulfilling.”
The shop celebrated its 25th year in Frankston last Friday (23 February).
See vinnies.org.au/shops or visit the Frankston shop at 80-82 Young Street, Frankston for bargains in aid of a good cause.