AMillicent charity shop has recently moved into new premises but they are literally only 15 paces from its former base.
For almost two years, the Walnut ‘op shop’ was based in a bare storage shed in a former car dealership yard on Williams Road, near Billygoat Corner.
When Sooz in the Shed vacated the former car dealership showroom and offices around Christmas, Walnut Shop volunteer manager Wilma Moore was able to secure the area.
She now has a spacious and all-weather area to display the donated clothes, shoes and bric-a-brac.
All proceeds go towards the Prostate Cancer Foundation for research purposes.
Wilma raised $30,000 in the five years she had the Walnut Shop at the weekly Rotary Market at the former Fletcher Jones site in Mount Gambier.
At the close of the market in 2020, she moved her stock to Millicent.
All second-hand clothing is washed and ironed by Ms Moore while a significant portion of the wares on offer are brand new.
“We get a lot of donations from shops which have surplus stock,” Ms Moore said.
“We are well supported by Maureen Brennan who has the Sassi shop in Millicent.”
Originally from Scotland and a proud resident of Mount Burr since 1973, Ms Moore has an outgoing personality which is ideal in the retail world.
Together with her partner John Wildman they donate their time to open the Walnut Shop on four days of each week.
The cause is dear to Ms Moore’s heart as she lost her husband Barry Moore to prostate cancer in 2005.
“He had battled the disease for 10 years,” she said.
“I am often urging men to have their prostates checked as it is not just a disease for old men.
“Barry was only 47 when he first had problems.
“It is called the Walnut Shop as the prostate is about the size and shape of a walnut.
“Every dollar raised at the Walnut shop helps in research.”
In her spare time, Ms Moore is an active member of the Lions Club of Wattle Range Lioness.
“I love meeting people in the shop and helping them,” she said.
“We get locals in here along with tourists as well as people who have just moved to Millicent.”
Good quality donations are always welcome at the Walnut Shop.
