By Tyler Wright
An Op Shop in Belgrave has made a massive difference in the community after in its first full year of trading.
Carlottas Treasures was opened by Selby’s All Saints Anglican Church in 2020 to increase Christian connection within the Hills community, and since then has distributed $19,500 to 13 different charities including the Belgrave and Selby CFAs and the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service.
By selling homewares, clothes and knick-knacks the store has also been able to distribute clothing to the homeless through Upwey’s ‘Soupees’ organisation, has provided children’s clothing and bedding to St Kilda Mums in Clayton and donated old towels and blankets to a dog rescue group.
Store manager Judy deBruyn said the shop has been able to facilitate work experience for three students this year.
“We weren’t able to pay them, but they were still able to get that experience of being amongst people and working in a shopping environment…not that it’s high powered, but for some kids it’s a good start,” Ms deBruyn said.
Those looking for Christmas gifts this year can browse children’s toys, books and kitchen appliances available for purchase at a bargain price.
“We did have a man come in during the year… he was having a 40th and he didn’t want to buy anything plastic, so he came and bought cutlery and wine glasses and serving dishes to host his 40th, [and] it didn’t cost a great deal,” Ms deBruyn said.
“We have helped people out even if they’re in need; we’ve had a couple of homeless people come to our door and we’ve been able to help them with cheaper goods as well…shoes and jeans and tops, coats…whatever they’ve needed,” she said.
Carlotta’s Treasures earned its namesake from the All Saints’ full title: All Saints’ Anglican Church: The Carlotta Tye Memorial, after Mr Alan Tye donated the church as a memorial to his wife, Carlotta.
The church was built from local stone in 1938, and was used as a refuge for women and children in the area after the 1939 Black Friday bushfires swept through the hills.
Carlotta’s Treasures is located at 9 Bayview Road in Belgrave, and is open Monday to Friday from 11am to 4pm.
