Lifeline Mid Coast is joining a movement in support of normalising buying pre-loved gifts for Christmas to promote ethical and responsible present-giving during the holiday period.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Giving pre-loved gifts is starting to become socially accepted and is a way to cut down on clutter, Lifeline Mid Coast business manager Kurt Russell said.
"We're hoping to change people's perception of what a good gift is and how new isn't always better," he said.
"You can always find something unique in an op-shop that can't be found anywhere else, that's why it can be even more special to buy a second-hand gift."
Lifeline now also offers gift vouchers, allowing the recipient to treasure hunt for their own present.
"Everybody likes getting gift vouchers. You don't have to worry about the personalised part of the shopping. It's easier on the purchaser and it's good for the person who receives it because they can go in and buy in their own time frame. They can buy what they want, when they need it, as opposed to getting too many gifts at once," Mr Russell said.
Many unwanted gifts purchased at Christmas do end up being donated to op-shops following the holidays.
"We do see an increase in items being donated after Christmas which is sad that a lot of items purchased don't stay with the person they were bought for," Mr Russell said.
All of the money from Lifeline's op-shops goes back into the organisation to help run suicide prevention workshops and their crisis support.
"We are 95 per cent self-funded and having our op-shops means we can continue to help the community.
"The Lifeline op-shops are for the community and supported by them and it can have a real positive impact if we help each other.
"There are some really high quality items that can be found in our op-shops that would make perfect Christmas presents."
Lifeline Mid Coast is encouraging locals to consider purchasing Christmas presents from op-shops this festive season.
"There are many reasons to shop at Lifeline this Christmas. A few of them include Lifeline being prevalent in the community and the second-hand industry being a much greater way to go than purchasing new, low cost, fast fashion. It's a twofold benefit," Mr Russell said.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark our website
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- You can support us with a subscription
- Follow us on Twitter: @portmacnews
- Follow us on Instagram: @portmacnews
- Follow us on Google News