The Australian Anti-Ice Campaign opens op shop at new Gold Coast location

A new op shop has opened on the Gold Coast but it's what they do with the proceeds that matters to the founder. FIND OUT THE DETAILS >>>

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AN op shop that supports Gold Coasters struggling with an ice addiction has opened at a new location.

The Australian Anti-Ice Campaign (AAIC) op shop last week opened at 130 Scarborough St, Southport.

Volunteer Sharon Street said AAIC would close their Southport-Nerang Rd, Southport store when the lease ends later this year.

Ms Street said all proceeds from the stores helped support those affected by the drug ice.

“It’s really important we get some awareness out there because ice addiction is so rampant on the Gold Coast.”

Recovering drug addicts join in on inaugural Walk Against Ice

Australian Anti-Ice Campaign op shop manager Sharon Street, founder and CEO Andre'a Simmons and volunteer Vicki Gray at the new location. Picture: Facebook.

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AAIC founder and CEO Andre’a Simmons said the store was the only source of funding for the charity.

“It’s the only source of funding we have to continue the work we do,” Ms Simmons said.

“From education to a next generation in high school, to intervention with those who are wanting to break the cycle of addiction and step into a life worth living.

“Our support buddy program is like no other offered and we are seeing more people change their lives daily from a life of chronic addiction.

“By supporting the op shop you are helping us save more lives from hell.”

'While Margot went to Hollywood, I became a drug addict’

September 9, 2019

ANDRE’A Simmons was once an upcoming movie star and even booked a job alongside Margot Robbie but lost everything after trying the drug ice in a Melbourne hotel room.

The business entrepreneur who had been busy growing her theatre and film credits became immediately hooked on the drug and the successful life she built crumbled.

At her lowest point she found herself stealing to eat.

Public figures will be sharing their stories in the fight against ice. Picture Glenn Hampson

“While Margot went to Hollywood, I went to Melbourne and became a drug addict,” Ms Simmons said.

After starting recovery the mother founded the Australian Anti Ice Campaign which on Sunday will host its inaugural Walk Against Ice.

The 2km walk open to everyone will start at the Broadbeach Surf Life Saving Club near Nikiforides Family Park at 10am.

“The goal will be to raise awareness of the issue of the drug ice in the community and to make a stand against it,” she said.

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“The drug ice is everywhere and it’s very bad here on the Gold Coast.”

The non-for-profit’s slogan is ‘Not Even Once’ to discourage people from even trying illicit drugs - something which is very close to Ms Simmons’ heart.

One dose was all it took for her to become an addict.

“I was in Melbourne to see a friend and ended up staying there to do drugs,” she said.

“Two years later I had what you would call an epiphany and locked myself in an apartment to detox.”

Thousands are now addicted to the drug.

The Australian Anti Ice Campaign involves recovered addicts including Gold Coast man Dave Meagher sharing their stories with the public during community

He was working at a construction site when he first tried the drug ice.

“I working on a worksite and at lunch time smoked a pipe — that was 18 years ago,” he said.

“I’ve been recovered for six months.”

Three-time world champion kickboxer Ian Jacobs and rugby league legend Kevin Campion who has played for the Maroons are the event’s ambassadors having botjh seen first-hand the devastating impact the drug ice can have on a person’s life.

To register for the Walk Against Ice on the Gold Coast, go online to australianantiicecampaign.org.au

Annie Perets