Charity supermarket helps out those most in need

CityCare Storehouse manager Kon Grapsas.

A charity supermarket in West Footscray is giving a helping hand to those most in need, according to its manager.

CityCare Storehouse offers low-priced fresh fruit and vegetables, packaged food and household products, with further discounts given to concession card holders.

Manager Kon Grapsas said it was like shopping at any other supermarket – but all money raised goes to programs run by CityCare, which is operated by Hillsong church.

“A lot of families are doing it tough and we are in a position to help out,” he said.

“We really want to make a difference in our community.”

The shop offers a range of discounted lines and people with a valid concession card can sign up as a member to gain a further 30 per cent discount.

Mr Grapsas said the store had started to gain support with regular shoppers, yet many people still didn’t know about it.

“My background is in supermarkets, so I have a lot of contacts,” Mr Grapsas said.

“Businesses have donated trucks so we can pick up the groceries. A supermarket in Geelong was closing and they donated everything – a forklift, shelving, fridges and freezers, the lot.”

Mr Grapsas said that despite the store being linked with Hillsong, there was no hard sell on shoppers to join the church.

“CityCare is building domestic violence shelters, we provide shower buses in the city for homeless people and free counselling for anyone in the community who needs it.”

CityCare Storehouse is open Wednesday to Saturday at 79 Sunshine Road, West Footscray.