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
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•
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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!