Katanning Regional Opportunity Society opens Clive Street Op Shop after closure of Activ store

The Katanning Regional Opportunity Society Op Shop opened its doors on Clive Street for the first time as part of a soft launch on September 1.

The opening was the culmination of more than eight months work by volunteers from the former Activ op shop, who decided to launch their own store after they were told the former Daping Street store would close in January.

The organisation finally managed to secure a lease on the ground floor of the Bank Buildings in July and has worked to repurpose the area, which was last used as a steakhouse.

KROS member Brenda Hawryluk said a significant amount of work went into getting the store up to scratch before the opening.

“The last two months has been hands-on,” she said.

“Members of our group, along with our friends and family, have been coming in every day for at least four hours.

“In the past month, we have been coming in for eight hours a day.”

Much of that time has been spent painting and assembling shelving, moving stock, or tidying up the overgrown courtyard for volunteers.

KROS president Margaret Renk said she was “beyond words” when it came to support the group had received.

“We have been so blessed with help that has come from all over the town,” she said.

Ms Renk said she hoped the new store would be a happy place for people to shop.

“We just hope one day we will have a profit that we will be able to give back to the community,” she said.

“Hopefully that should be some time in the next 12-18 months.”

The store has more than 20 volunteers, with the not-for-profit hoping more will be inspired to join.

“We hope the store is a wonderful way to show people the joy of volunteering,” Ms Hawyluk said.

The KROS Op Shop will hold its official opening on September 17 as part of the Shire of Katanning’s Sustainable Fair Day.

Visit the KROS Op Shop Facebook page.