Upon entering our shop, you will find yourself lost amongst our many treasures. Pre-loved and lovingly made, items are passed between many hands to end up on our shelves before you. You’ll find books, clothes, homewares, bric-a-brac and bountiful toys. But we promise, there is more to op shopping than finding a simple bargain. Here are five equally important qualities that add to the charm of the Rotary Fair Trade & Gift Shop.
1. Friendly and Helpful Volunteers
Our op shop is run almost entirely by volunteers, who provide their time and skills so that more money can go towards the charities and causes we support. Our own shop can only exist with the passion of our many volunteers. They come from all ages and walks of life, showing up weekly to offer their free time to help our cause. With enthusiastic volunteers from Rotary clubs, the local community and elsewhere, you can be certain there will always be a friendly face to greet and help you with your queries.
2. Sustainability and a Circular Economy
By purchasing second-hand goods, you're supporting the sustainability movement and encouraging a circular economy, meaning nothing ever goes to waste. At the Rotary Fair Trade & Gift Shop, all donations find a place to be, whether that is on our racks or shelves, purchased for a new home, or in a donation bag headed to homeless shelters, refugees, and communities in Timor-Leste.
3. Making a Difference
100% of the profits raised help us support the many initiatives and charities we provide support and partnership to. If you're looking for a way to give back to those less fortunate, you can be sure that every cent you spend at the Rotary Fair Trade & Gift Shop is going to a good cause and helping communities thrive, both near and far. The Rotary Fair Trade & Gift Shop supports various local charities and causes,, including BSSG, CamCare, Learning for Life Autism Centre, and Stroke Association of Victoria. We are also involved in several international fairtrade projects.
4. One-of-a-kind items
Whether it's vintage, handmade, or no longer in stock elsewhere, many items that come through our door are one-of-a-kind. With donations constantly coming in and out, each visit is sure to be a unique experience, with plenty to discover when browsing. Take, for example, this beautiful Japanese porcelain tea set or this surprisingly quirky crystal clown wine stopper. If you're looking for a stand-out gift or something new for yourself that will impress all your friends and family, then our Rotary Fair Trade & Gift Shop is the place to be.
5. Fairtrade and Handmade
Perhaps one of the most loved by us is our collection of fairtrade gift items. With a fairtrade commitment, all funds made from the sale of these items in our shop go directly back to the people who made them.
For Kor Timor, we stock everything from notebooks to earrings to handbags, all sustainably handmade with traditional tais weaving. The business creates jobs for Timorese people and keeps the traditional textile and weaving practice alive.
For Three Sisters Knitted Goods, we stock their handmade clothing accessories such as slippers, beanies and gloves. Money made from selling their goods in our shop is sent back to the three sisters, Rita, Sangita and Kapala, and is used to educate their children.
Finally, we have puppets and handbags from Seven Women, an organisation empowering women in Nepal through education, skills training and income generation.
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As you can see, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy and explore! Shop online or in-store, bring in your donations, or express interest in volunteering today!
The Rotary Fair Trade & Gift Shop is located in the City of Boroondara at 650 High Street, Kew East, 3102 VIC (Shop hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:30am - 5:00pm).
