By JOLENE OGLE
A CROWD of excited shoppers waited eagerly outside the new Salvation Army family store in Noosaville for the grand opening on Monday 16 November.
Deputy mayor Bob Abbot cut the ribbon to declare the store open, with shoppers rushing in to snap up a bargain.
The Salvation Army’s Lieutenant David Sutcliffe said the team was very excited about the opportunities the opening of a new store brought to the charity.
“Our family stores provide such a vital service to the community. Firstly because it provides somewhere where people can donate things they don’t need anymore, so we’re recycling and saving on landfill,” he said.
“The other thing is it provides an opportunity for people in our community who are perhaps less fortunate than some of us to come and buy good-quality goods that are at a cheaper price than new.
“And most importantly, the store raises vital money for the charity so we are able to continue to do our work in the community.”
Lt Sutcliffe said the Salvation Army would launch a range of community programs in the new year that will operate along with the current programs in partnership with local schools, homelessness services and employment in the community.
“We hope this store will be a beacon of hope, where people can come together and feel welcomed,” he said.
Cr Abbot said it was an honour to be asked by the Salvation Army to do anything to help them.
“I’ve had a long-standing relationship with the Salvation Army and I have always been a councillor who is always willing to help those who want to help themselves,” he said.
“But with the Salvation Army, they take it even further. They get out there and help others. That’s a critical point, and we may be a little better off than some, but that’s why we should be helping the Salvos, not just because we can get a bargain in their store.”
The new Salvation Army store is now open at the Noosa Homemaker Centre, Mary Street, Noosaville.
