Second Chance for clothes and families

After closure of the Kwinana Men’s Shed, the local Salvation Army team has transformed the space into a new thrift shop to be launched this weekend.

The aptly named Second Chance Shed will have most items available for $2 or less, with all funds going back into the local community.

The new store will run alongside the Salvation Army’s drop-in centre, providing people who are struggling financially with a one-stop shop.

Kwinana Salvation Army captain Peter Jones said the store would also act as a social space.

“We wanted a place where people that are doing it tough can come in and buy something for $2 or less,” he said.

“There will be a cappuccino machine in our coffee corner where people can sit in the shop and have a chat.

“You can also come into our drop-in centre, which is open at the same time, have a shower and leave with a bag of freshly washed and ironed clothes.”

As Christmas approaches and some Kwinana families feel the pinch, volunteers and staff at the Medina Avenue shop have been busy securing donations of food.

Coles continues to donate a large portion of fresh produce through the SecondBite program and Salvation Army captain Erica Jones invited those doing it tough to come down.

“We want people to bring down shopping bags and they can fill it with whatever they want — there are no pressures or expectations, we just want people who are struggling to come down,” she said.

“It’s about giving people a sense of hope and dignity and to let them know that someone cares.”

The Second Chance Shed will be launched this Saturday from 10am to noon and will open on Monday, Tuesday and Friday between 10am and 2pm.

For more information or to become a volunteer, call 9439 1585.