Gloucester Community Shop has hit the new year running with another bucket load of money donated to a wide range of community groups.
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The groups gathered for a quick, COVID-safe presentation with some of the volunteers at the shop on Wednesday, January 26 that saw $15,000 returned back into the community.
"Happy new year all. The Gloucester Community Shop is generously donating funds to organisations who are off and running with or without COVID interfering in our new way of life," community shop volunteer, Di Relf said.
"We're able to give away this money thanks to the volunteers and their dedications."
Topping of the list was the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service - Gloucester Support Group - a vital service to the community. Many residents and visitors have needed the rescue helicopter in times of injury or health conditions that require them to be flown to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle. The local group raises funds throughout the year to help support this free service and the community shop was keen to provide them with a late Christmas present of $5000.
"Westpac Rescue Helicopter receives a nice, healthy cheque to kick off 2022," Di said.
The Gloucester Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer Support Groups also received a donation to help them continue to support Gloucester residents during treatment for any type of cancer.
"Thank you for your hard work and generosity," breast cancer support group secretary Carol Bennett said after receiving a cheque for $5000.
The prostate group were also very pleased and thankful for the $1000 donation.
Gloucester Hockey Club received $1000 to help replace its damaged goals after vandalism at Cook Park made the area unusable for the season.
Gloucester Thunderbolts Swimming Club received $1000 for its annual picnic carnival to be held on Saturday, February 19. The carnival attracts swimmers to Gloucester from clubs across the Mid North Coast from Newcastle to Coffs Harbour.
Gloucester High School's breakfast program also received a $1000 cheque to go towards supplies.
"With school heading back the brekkie club will hopefully be up and sending children to class with a health start to the day," Di said.
Rounding out the recipients list was the Gloucester AH&P Association with $1000 of support for the 2022 Gloucester Show that's on Friday April 1 and Saturday April 2 at the Gloucester Showground.
Community shop volunteer Cedric Salter spoke at the presentation about how happy the shop is to be able to help out.
"Due to our great volunteers and our donors, we're in the position we are," Cedric said. "We've got a great team behind us."
Gloucester Community Shop is a volunteer-run op shop optimising recycling with its devotion to giving back to the community all the profits from its sales. The shop, located at 41 King Street, accepts donations during opening hours, Tuesday to Friday from 8am until 2pm and Saturday from 9am until noon.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
