When the new op shop officially opened on Tuesday September 18, its mantra was clear, to ensure the profits go directly back into Gloucester, and that came to fruition on Thursday November 5.

Four local groups received a cheque after simply dropping off a letter to the shop outlining how much they need and what it will be used for.

Gloucester Scouts Group was given $430 for a cargo box to help with storage at the Scouts Hall in the Gloucester Showground, while Gloucester Junior Hockey received $500 for the purchase of new equipment.

Another $500 was passed onto the Gloucester Prostate Cancer Group to help them to continue to support men with cancer diagnoses. 

“Thank you to the Gloucester Community Shop for this generous donation of funds,” Gloucester Prostate Cancer Group treasurer, Robert Sparke said during the presentation which took place outside the shop.

And the final donation of $300, went toward June’s Place’s Christmas dinner for anyone in the Gloucester region unable to be with family on Christmas day.

The annual dinner, which used to be held June’s Place cafe on Church Street, has grown so big that it needs to be held at the CWA hall.

Christmas dinner will take place from 10.30am until 2pm on Tuesday December 25 and bookings need to be in by Friday December 21 at June’s Place on the corner of Church and Denison Street or by calling Vicki Harris on 0458 006 330.

As for the Gloucester Community Shop, it’s now looking for more community groups, events or organisations to pass funds onto.

“It’s all about giving back to the community,” shop volunteer, Doug Pittman said. 

Any group or organisation can drop off a request for funds at the shop, 41 King Street, across from the fire station.

The committee will assess the requests on a regular basis and determine an outcome as funds become available.

The shop is open Tuesday to Friday from 8am to 2pm and Saturday from 9am until noon, with donations accepted during business hours.