New Cairns Vinnies store is charity’s second biggest store in Queensland

When Vinnie’s opens its newest op-shop at a Cairns shopping complex on Saturday it will be its largest store in FNQ with all profits going directly back into the community.

CAIRNS bargain hunters or lovers of all things vintage with a dash of sustainability will be lining up when St Vincent de Paul open its largest op-shop in Far North Queensland on Saturday.

Located at the Cairns Showgrounds Shopping Centre, the Vinnie’s store will comprise 800 sqm with 700 sqm devoted to the retail area.

The leviathan sized space makes this their second largest store in the state – and there will be special giveaways and prizes for shoppers on opening day.

St Vincent de Paul Society Far North Queensland executive officer, David Monaghan said the shop will employ two paid staff.

St Vincent de Paul Society Far North Queensland executive officer David Monaghan and store manager Toni Robson scoot through their new store in Cairns. Picture: Andreas Nicola

“They will be backed by a bevy of six or seven wonderful volunteers at any one time,” he said.

“As with all Vinnies Shops, sale profits go back to supporting the community so everything people buy, furniture, books, men’s, women’s or children’s clothing, household decor or bric-a-brac, all of the money go towards helping the Far North Queensland community in need.”

Vinnies Queensland general manager of operations Drew Eide said the new Cairns Shop will help raise money for those in need of assistance.

“Far North Queensland was hit particularly hard by the financial impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said,

“The opening of this shop will allow us to better support people in the community experiencing hardship, job losses or housing insecurity.

“The new Vinnies won’t just be a great destination for shoppers, it will go a long way towards supporting people experiencing poverty, housing instability or family breakdown in the region,”

St Vincent de Paul Society store manager Toni Robson of the new Cairns store is beyond excited for their opening. Picture: Andreas Nicola

Mr Eide said volunteers and donations were always welcome at the new shop.

And he said if they would love to hear from anyone looking to get involved too.

“If you’re keen to volunteer, even for a few hours a week, visit vinnies.org.au/joinus,” he said.

“Undamaged and quality donations are also accepted directly at the shop, but we ask people to please remember the rule – if you wouldn’t give it to a friend, don’t give it to Vinnies”

Mr Eide said everyone is welcome at the opening.

”The new Cairns shop is located inside the Cairns Showgrounds Shopping Centre off Bruce Highway,” he said.

“It will be open from 9am this Saturday.

“Ongoing, the opening hours of the new shop will be 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays.”

Originally published as New Cairns Vinnies store is charity’s second biggest store in Queensland