Sam’s op shop to help locals with cancer

SAM Clarke is hoping to change lives and offer financial support for locals battling cancer by opening an op shop in Korumburra.

Sam has been inspired to do this from seeing her sister’s battle with stage four colon cancer and witnessing the expenses add up as she underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy and natural therapies. 

“I started thinking along the lines of what could I do, to help, because I know it costs a lot of money for different things. 

“I thought, what can I do for our community? How can I come up with something that could possibly help our own community?”

Sam has previously worked with a large organisation running an op shop and has experience on her side. 

She enjoyed the satisfaction of being able to contribute to people and make their lives a little easier, and decided this was the way she could uniquely help the Korumburra community. 
“I just got the idea and thought, right, I'll just say, if it all falls into place, it's meant to be.” 

With the help of local real estate agent George Auddino, Sam secured a premise at Mine Road, Korumburra next to the primary school and the old corner post office. 

Sam had been working long days and late into the night preparing the shop for its opening last Friday. 

“I've got clothes and accessories, like handbags, shoes, jewellery, hats, all that sort of stuff, and then in the other building, I've got brick a brack, books, CDs, DVDs and furniture.”

Family, friends and people from the community have been sorting through their things and donating items to the not-for-profit venture. 

“I've been getting lots of really lovely donations from local people. That's fantastic. It's been amazing. It really has that. We've got the best community, seriously.”

While there will be lots of treasures to find and bargains to buy, Sam has also created a sanctuary where people can also just go for a cuppa and a chat. 

“I've got a little room that I've made up as a ‘chillax’ room. I don't know if anybody from the local community is lonely or they need someone to talk to or just (need) a hangout room where they can come and get a cuppa, but they don't have to shop. 

“They can come and just get a cuppa or a bit of cake and sit in there and just chill.”

Sam looks forward to being able to help locals in the community affected by cancer and once the ball gets rolling, people will be able to apply for funds. 

“Whether it be they need their lawns mowed for six months, or they need a house cleaner, or they need a holiday or they need groceries or whatever it is, just real local community.”

“I think a lot of people have been touched by cancer in one way or another and the reason I'm doing it this way is because I want to make sure it actually goes to our people”.

Sam is adamant about being transparent around what the money raised will be used for, where funds will be allocated and what for. 

“I'd like to eventually help other people as well. I'm just concentrating on the cancer side of things at the moment. But I would like to be able to spread it out to other people that have got illnesses as well.”
Fortunately, Sam has had lots of help from family and friends and other people in the community willing to volunteer and help out, however volunteers and donations are always welcome, and Sam is hoping to succeed and grow for the benefit of the community.