Manager Mitch Gordon started the popular business last year at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to assist hard hit Central Coast charities.
Many Coast businesses help local charities, but the Woy Woy store gives a hefty percentage of its profits to Coast charities.
The man behind the business is Manager Mitch Gordon and he recently decided to move the storefront to a new location in Deepwater Plaza. It will reopen in mid-July.
“I have been operating shop in Deepwater Plaza since June 2020,” Mitch said.
“I established the vintage, retro and antiques shop to assist local charities affected by the ongoing pandemic, with a percentage of profits going to a different not-for-profit organisation each month. Westlakes Stoke Recovery Group was May's Charity of the Month.“
He said the store had been extremely successful, raising thousands of dollars for local charities.
These include Woy Woy Youth Cottage, Brisbane Water Historical Society, Coast Shelter, Mary Mac's Place, RSPCA Central Coast Shelter, WIRES Central Coast, Rotary Brisbane Water and the Salvation Army Umina Beach Corps are just some of the recipients.
In addition to raising funds for local charities, the shop also:
- Collects dry goods and personal care items for Coast Shelter.
-. Offers volunteering opportunities for people living with disability.
- Collects bread tags for Bread Tags for Wheelchairs.
- Collects milk bottle tops for age care craft activities.
- Distributes information about not-for-profit organisations, including Rotary International and Brisbane Water Historical Society.
- Supports Lifeline and Amnesty International via monthly donations.
- Promotes environmental sustainability through the sale of pre-loved goods.
- Supports local artists and authors by selling their work.
- Donates excess stock to local opportunity shops.
- Promotes small businesses by distributing advertising material.
“I have been overwhelmed by the community interest in and support of my venture,” Mitch said.
“The store has been the subject of media interest; my social media platforms have hundreds of followers and I have welcomed thousands of customers through my doors.
“Due to the store's success, we are relocating to the larger space at Shop T54, Deepwater Plaza.”
Mitch praised the support he received from the Management Team at Deepwater Plaza.
“We also have a fabulous team of dedicated volunteer including Kim Niddrie, Bronwyn McGrath, Troy Dove, Robin Bateman, Eric Barrett, Heather McKenzie and Carmen Perrin from Viva La Vintage. They have exceeded all expectations,” he said.
