October 23, 2017
The Salvation Army’s new Red Shield Family Store was opened with a flourish on Saturday morning with an eager crowd of shoppers keen to explore the shelves as soon as the ribbon was cut.
The store is located at 109 Kingaroy Street in the former – and heavily renovated – Ellis Equipment building.
It is much larger than the Salvos’ former store in Pound Street, and can carry more stock such as furniture.
It is filled with donated items, but for the first time there is also a small amount of new products, including kitchen items, clothing and even some shoes.
Volunteers have a large area at the rear of the store to sort the donated items.
Salvation Army Area Officer for South-West Queensland Commissioner James Condon said Red Shield Family Stores were increasingly becoming drop-in centres.
People are encouraged to come in, browse, and have a chat.
There is also a purpose-built quiet room equipped with Christian books and Bibles where people can spend quiet time or pray.
Major Allan Kerr, from the Kingaroy Corps, praised the volunteers who had worked very hard to get the store right for the opening.
“We are very proud of them,” he said.
“This store has been a long time coming. Our old shop was very, very hot in summer and very, very cold in winter. This has air-conditioning!
“It is more than an opportunity shop. It is a place where people can chat and rest.
“Or if people want prayer, we can pray for them.
“I believe we will see some wonderful things happening through our prayer room.”
