Lifeline Idalia opens, raising money to keep vital phone counselling service going

Targeting a fast-growing Townsville suburb, a new Lifeline store has opened, offering bargains to support a worthy cause. See where it is.

Welcome help has arrived for Townsville residents struggling with the escalating cost of living pressure, with a new Lifeline store opening in Idalia on Saturday.

The new store on Darcy Drive in the Fairfield & Co precinct would generate much needed funds for trained crisis support volunteers to continue answering more than 2500 calls daily to the 24-hour 13 11 14 Lifeline Crisis Support Line.

One of the first customers to visit Lifeline’s 11th North Queensland store was Railway Estate mum Mel Jones, flanked by her boys Tobias 6, Cody, 4, who made a beeline for the toy section.

Ms Jones said she received a tip off about the opening from a friend who worked in the new store.

“It’s nice and close to home, and times are hard, so to be able to get something at a discounted price makes things easier,” Ms Jones said.

“The kids love the little toy area. I grabbed kids’ toys, a skateboard, some games and some stuff that will be nice little Christmas stocking stuffers.

“I am always after new clothes … and there’s a whole heap of furniture, just across the board there’s everything here in one shot.”

Lifeline Townsville regional business manager Donna Green said the new Idalia store came about after a review recognised it was a great location to connect with more customers in a fast-growing area.

“Our team has been here for about four or five weeks, setting up and getting everything ready,” Ms Green said.

“There has been a lot of interest (from the community) as we’ve been setting up. Everybody’s been really interested in what’s inside.

“It’s a traditional Lifeline store, it’s got a mix of everything. We’ve got a lot of donated product, but we’ve also got some of our new product in here as well … that fills an area where we don’t get a lot of donations.”

This included lounges, dining furniture, beds, and mattresses.

While plenty of their customers were looking for bargains, Ms Green said they also had shoppers looking for items that were “a bit unique”, or were taking a sustainable approach by reusing items such as clothing.

“Everything we do is to support that crisis line … to make sure that there’s someone there to answer the phone because that’s the most important thing,” she said.

For help, to volunteer, or donate, call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au

Originally published as Lifeline Idalia opens, raising money to keep vital phone counselling service going