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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-11-25, Page 14Page 14 - Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, November 25, 2009 Sat. November 28 to Fri. December 4, 2009 Maraschino Cherries Wine Gums 2.99 /100g Pure Chocolate Covered Peanuts or Raisins Cinnamon Sticks 6 or 12 inch Christmas Tins assorted varieties Kincardine 781 Broadway Street (comer of Hwy. #9 and #21) (519) 396-6052 Every Wednesday Seniors & Students' save 10`% off on all regular priced products • r r. , ff. f Op Shop open for holida signal -star staff Savvy shoppers have long known about the little brown house of bargain deals. For more than 55 years, Goder- ich's Maple Leaf Chapter of the IODE has operated a successful pre -loved clothing and housewares business in town, though some residents may pass by without realizing it. As dedicated return customers from both Goderich and London browsed the latest stock of goods last Friday, volunteer staff members Joan Wm - ter, Lil Lougheed and Nancy Hughes admitted, after 15 years in their little brown house, many members of the community don't know they're there. "So many people still come in and say, 'we didn't know you were here,"' Lougheed said. "We're constantly try- ing to raise awareness of our location." The ladies are part of a band of more than 80 IODE Maple Leaf Chapter members, notorious for their annual Christmas Home Tour (which saw more than 900 pair of shoes in and our of Goderich homes earlier this month) who divvy -up staffing duties to operate the IODE Opportu- nity and Consignment Shop, commonly known as the Op Shop. The shop offers quality second-hand clothing, jewelry and housewares at unbeatable prices. They even offer con- signment, going 50-50 with customers who could use a little extra cash for no longer needed goods. "It's called the Opportunity Shop, because that's exactly what it is — opportunity," said Hughes. "If someone finds themselves down on their luck, maybe they've just lost a job, here they can find good -quality lightly used items that can really go a long way." Photo by Dominique Milburn IODE members Lil Lougheed, Nancy Hughes and Joan Winter provided the volunteer manpower that keeps the Op Shop in business last Friday. The shop is staffed year- round by JODE members. shopping Tucked away at the comer of Angelsea and Albert Streets, the LODE have found their own dia- mond in the rough. Since their move to the current location in 1994, the Opportunity Shop has operated rent-free thanks to the ongoing support of property owner Don Edward. The charitable com- munity organization maintains the building and provides the shop with needed utilities, but the more than affordable $0 a month rental fee has helped keep the business thriving. "Some months, we make $1,000 in clear profit," said Hughes. "That's pretty good for a few dol- lars here and there." And the monies from the shop go straight back into the commu- nity, the ladies added. In 2009 alone, the Maple Leaf Chapter has supported more than 20 community projects, includ- ing the Palliative Care Suite at the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital. IODE provided a homey feel to an otherwise typical hospital room, where families and patients can rest peacefully regardless of the circumstance. The suite was well received— so much so that the hospital is planning another on the main floor this year. Other local projects include the Sallows Gallery, Centre for Employment and Learning, minor sports, Alzheim- er's Society and Women's Shelter. The group also lends support to national and provincial programs. Quality is a key word with the IOD(, The ladies describe themselves as 'fussy' when it comes to accepting donations, noting they "don't do dry-cleaning." "We only take top-quality," said Hughes. Donations to the Op Shop come in large part from IODE members themselves, who often do a lot of their shopping at the store. They also accept good quality, cleaned items from the community. "We do big business in coats," said Hughes as she perused the latest stock. "We cavy a lot of brand names." At present, the shop features only women's and children's clothing items. The shop boasts a wide selection of housewares and home decor, as well as some home entertainment items. The Maple Leaf Chapter of the IODE is one of the largest in Canada. Their annual fund- raisers and ongoing operation of the Oppor- tunity Shop have fueled countless community projects since the chapter was established in the early 1900s. The Op Shop has been in business in God- erich for many years, and the ladies show no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Their zest and commitment to community service is evi- dent throughout the Op Shop in the care of the prrperty, business and inventory. The Op Shop takes consignment Mondays by appointment only. Those interested are asked to call to book an appointment at 519- 524-2002. The store is open'hiesday to Satur- day, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. With the giving season inching closer by the minute, the ladies said now may be the perfect time to visit the Op Shop and have a look around. DISCOVER A NEIWAY OF (EARNING r Montessori approach Monday, November 30th 6:30-8:OOpm Blyth Memorial Hall Art Gallery dull 010 O f{eons rlma'l t>lV 9 *de SI 1010 fi), Myth Moiit.ssorI SsbooI for event registration call 519-523-4800 www.blythmontessori.ca Now, you have a choice!