13 February 2023
Parishioners and members of the broader community could be set to benefit from a new opportunity shop venture in Burnley.
St Bartholomew’s Anglican and the Brotherhood of St Laurence have partnered on the initiative as part of the church’s engagement with the community.
The joint venture is also aimed at growing community connections via volunteerism, product recycling and a social business enterprise.
One of 23 BSL shops across Melbourne, the re-opened op shop will support the parish and the wider work of the organisation in the Australian community.
The initiative came about through a series of conversations last year between the parish and the Archdeacon for Diocesan Partnerships the Venerable Dr Nick White.
Read more: A ‘thank you’ to Lara and Little River’s dedicated volunteers
The parish council was concerned about the long-term sustainability of the enterprise, particularly around compliance requirements that it could make it more difficult for parishes to manage op shops on their own.
BSL head of social enterprises Mark Lane said that op shops had changed in the past five to 10 years and operated best when there was a strong retail focus.
He was confident that BSL’s support and experience would help the program raise the funds needed and amplify its reach beyond the local area.
The organisation’s head of chaplaincy and diocesan partnerships the Reverend Debra Saffrey-Collins preached at St Bart’s to mark the official opening of the new venture, before blessing the re-opened op shop.
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