The community has been declared the winner after a local opportunity shop raised over $500 for their annual Christmas raffle, drawn last month.
The Southern Mitchell Rotary Recycle Op Shop began selling tickets in early November and initially offered more than 24 prizes.
However, with more prizes donated from local businesses and generous benefactors throughout December, there were eventually 41 prizes up for grabs.
Southern Mitchell Rotary Recycle Op Shop Manager Lisa Walker said the community was the ultimate winner, with all proceeds raised to be donated to local organisation Love In Action (LIA) to further support people in crisis over the holidays.
“The money will go directly to helping locals this Christmas through LIA,” she said.
“We raised $628. We also donate to the schools’ breakfasts, lunch, and dinners program—depending on the school—and from time to time we assist LIA to provide vouchers for school shoes.”
The opportunity shop also shared $300 with the Wallan Neighbourhood House, with manager Pauline Cornish urging those in need to reach out, stating that food relief was just a phone call away.
“We are [also] a Centrelink agent and can help with payment and service information for Medicare, Centrelink, and Child Support,” she said.
To contact Wallan Neighbourhood House, call Pauline Cornish on 0409 941 553.
The Southern Mitchell Rotary Recycle Op Shop is located at Shop 6/84-86 Sydney Street, Kilmore, and is once again open following a short Christmas closure,.
Opening hours are 9.30am–3pm Monday to Friday, 9.30am–12.30pm Saturday, and closed Sunday.
