Golden hearts celebrate their golden birthday

CELEBRATING 37 years of trading at 37 Capper Street, the opportunity shop has raised exactly $380,150 for those in need.

HEARTS OF GOLD: The volunteers at Gunther Village Opportunity Shop have raised $380,150 over 37 years. Picture: Felicity Ripper

CELEBRATING 37 years of trading at 37 Capper Street, the philanthropic women of Gunther Village Opportunity Shop were delighted today to find their hard work has raised more than $370,000 for their community.

Since 1981 the opportunity shop, supporting the local aged care home Gunther Village, has raised exactly $380,150 for those in need and Gunther Village Facility Manager Vicki Boyd said that figure has changed countless lives.

"Isn't it incredible that a little op shop that sells second hand clothes and books has raised that much for a local home,” she said.

"It just says so much about the sense of community, I have never seen that sort of enthusiasm in other homes.”

Mrs Boyd said it's also evident how much the entire community cares about Gunther Village when they shop at the opportunity shop.

She said it allows the aged care home to purchase equipment, that makes the residents and staff more comfortable, that they couldn't afford otherwise.

"If we need new beds, walkers, wheelchairs or specialised equipment for the care of the residents they are there,” Mrs Boyd said.

"They even bought new, automatic, blood pressure machines which makes the nurses' jobs much easier.”

Mrs Boyd said she is astounded that the opportunity shop has continually supported Gunther Village for such a long time.

"I just can't believe how enthusiastic they are, the enthusiasm never dies,” she said.

"They even work on a Sunday when the markets are open and they get great joy from seeing where the money goes.”

Mrs Boyd said whenever Gunther Village has a new project or need they contact Gunther Village Opportunity Shop and they make it happen, most recently the purchase of a therapeutic robotic seal: Robotic seal makes waves at aged care home.

"I just think they are the most incredible bunch of ladies and I can't thank them enough.”