We welcomed guests Ron Millard, Wendy Taylor, Michelle Logan and partner Peter Logan and Andy Murrell, on zoom tonight - Tammy Whitehead and Peter Walsh.
Guest speaker Michelle Logan.
The Uniting church used to have garage sales events which would gross approximately $1000 per month, but still had many goods to sell. There was an chance to open an opportunity shop in a disused shop on Bentinck street and Michelle was asked to coordinate. With a long history of being careful with money and goods, and a self-professed "scrimp" when it comes to paying out for things, works in well with Michelle at the helm and the purchase of shelves and bookcases to create the 'shop' with about $6000 for set up.
Many bags of goods are taken in through the bins each day but approximately two large trailers go to the tip each week. Unfortunately some people use the bins for house hold waste, but the majority of goods are okay. Only the new, or new looking goods are sold, with the remains going to Melbourne for a price per weight. Stock is constantly being rotated and if it hasn't sold in 8 weeks it is either sent to Melbourne or landfill. Electrical items are tested to ensure they work or the batteries are okay, and watches all have new batteries.
There are around 35 people who volunteer their time and each has their preferred area, the eldest in her 90s and a 'regular'. Over two hundred people come through the shop each day, for many different reasons - sometimes for company and connection itself; the shop raises about $100 per hour with 95% of goods between 50 cents and $3. So, that is a lot of items sold.
Currently having a big sale over Christmas to help clear things from the shelves, the windows and front stalls are changed each week. Furniture will sit out the front on a sunny day and this goes quickly. Some items which are valuable go to auction in Melbourne to raise money for the community.
Work in with the Good Samaritan fund for Portland District Health, for goods such as clothing, tents pillows and sheets for people in need. Donations of cash are made to non-profit organisations in the community, after committee consideration and not generally the church but there was a project for roofing for a multi-purpose area in need which was deemed suitable. This year nearly $150,000 was donated back to the community.
They offer gift vouchers for $5, $10 and $20 vouchers. best sellers are tracksuit plants, hoodies, long sleeved tee shits, and plants. Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm and Saturday 10am - 12 midday.
Induction of a new member Andy Murrell
Sponsored by Rtn John Pye -tonight we held the induction of new member Ian Andrew Murrell (Andy) OAM. Retired teacher from Bayview Secondary College, married to Georgia with two children Lachlan and Alexandra. With a strong attachment to the Portland Surf Lifesaving community for the last 42 years, following his older brothers footsteps often taken to the club with them and this just became a part of life, recognised as a Life member, and OAM for committment to surf life saving and service to the Portland community.
Andy has held many committee positions within the club, competition coordinator, teaching senior first aid courses, swimming courses such as bronze medallion, encouraging younger members to club through competition, educating the broader community to be safe around open water and swimming, and encouraging community involvement in sport and activities, using school as a forum to get kids involved.
Greatest achievements in life saving is seeing his daughter compete and win a state competition at Portland, and being awarded a life membership of Portland life saving club. Involved in many preventative life saving actions; the more involvement in the club, the greater the sense of satisfaction. Otherwise busy with teaching, being involved with family, running with the dog Ziebolt. Remembering an inspiring PE teacher who said - "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn". (Benjamin Franklin) "I encourage all students to be active learners".
Andy says he has always had a passion for teaching, and as a previous exchange teacher can see a role supporting the student exchange program, and encouraging understanding in different societies.
Congratulations and welcome!
Special mention (there will be a fine I'm sure!) Congratulations to Nooran and Dick on their wedding anniversary - even though Dick did take payments tonight and then snuck off home!
There are quite a few for December! so -Congratulations to all!
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