Five years on from the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the volunteer-run opportunity shop at Footscray Hospital has returned to opening five days a week.
This week marks the first time since March 2020 that the op-shop located in the main foyer of the hospital will be open from 10am-3pm, Monday to Friday.
Footscray Hospital volunteers team leader Eve Cidoni said the op-shop provided more than just cheap second-hand goods.
“The shop provides welcome respite for long-stay patients, anxious family members and visitors,” Ms Cidoni said.
“In addition to bargain clothing items, books and collectables, customers always receive a friendly welcome and a listening ear.“
Western Health has been steadily rebuilding its volunteer team since Covid, with numbers now sufficient to return to five day trading.
Among the returning volunteers is Ruth Forster, who had her first day back at the op-shop on Monday, February 17 after several years of ill health.
“It’s nice to be sociable and working here stimulates the brain,” Ms Forster said.
Another volunteer, Teresa Pizzinga, has volunteered with Western Health for 13 years.
“I like working here because I like talking to people, and you feel like you are doing something good,” she said.
“You can find a lot of things here but our most popular items are the knitted baby clothes and the hand-made gift cards.“
However, for Ms Pizzinga, the most important aspect of the op-shop is where the proceeds go.
“Every cent we make here goes back into the hospital.”
Cade Lucas
