By MEGAN OGLE
A LOCAL charity is branching out to support local women to get a leg-up in the business world, while also helping children abroad.
Cathy Harrison runs Regain Hope; a charity committed to helping enslaved children and youth in many overseas countries, and with the opening of a new collaborative space, local women are also set to benefit.
Cathy currently runs two charity shops located in Maroochydore and Coolum and will launch her new venture, Vintage Alley, next to the third charity shop located at 171 Eumundi Road, Noosaville.
Vintage Alley is a collaborative project which offers local women a space to launch their start-up business or advertise their services without the hefty overheads of renting a shopfront or workshop and will also help to support the Regain Hope charity.
“We can offer permanent shelf space to launch a product, we have a workshop for more creative projects, there’s a mezzanine floor where beauty, health and nutrition services can be set up,” Cathy said.
“Anything you are wanting to sell, offer or make, we can accommodate you.
“We even have a consultation room and training space which can be used after hours.”
Cathy said Vintage Alley already had locally made soy candles, vintage furniture, teas, handmade clothes and beauty services on offer, plus great coffee in the cafe.
Volunteer and collaborator Ingrid Olsen said the project was a great chance for local women to get their product or service onto the market through a supportive and collaborative environment.
“We’re hoping to create a sense of community; a place where everyone can feel welcome,” she said.
Local musicians are also encouraged to join the collaborative space with music nights and a resident piano in the near future for the project.
If you would like to be part of Vintage Alley or would like further information please phone Cathy on 0414 788 778 or Ingrid on 0474 812 201.
Cathy and Ingrid are also looking for more volunteers to help at the Noosaville Regain Hope charity shop. If you are able to donate your time, please phone Cathy or Ingrid.
