Op for Change

Access to period products is a right, not a privilege. But those experiencing period poverty often have to choose between period products and other essential items just to get by. No one should have to make that choice and that’s why we’re proud to be an official collection point for Share the Dignity's . We're putting the call out for donations of all products in original packaging, including pads, tampons, maternity pads, period un**es, menstrual cups and incontinence products. Add some products to your next shop and donate in-store by 31 August.

YOU'RE INVITED!

Join us next Thursday 11 July for our Sip + Shop Community Evening to celebrate two of our featured charities, Avalon Youth Hub and Mowana Safe Space Inc.

Enjoy some preloved shopping over light refreshments, with some gorgeous grazing platters by Zing Fresh Catering and complimentary drinks.

Your host and MC for the evening will Op for Change ambassador Miranda Fair who will perform a selection of her classic songs.

The evening is free but you will need to RSVP at: https://events.humanitix.com/op-for-change-x-ayh-mowana

When: Thursday 11 July from 6pm

You're invited! 🧁🫖

Join us next Thursday 27 June for a sweet start to your day with some coffee, tea and cake at our Biggest Morning Tea, with all funds raised going to the Cancer Council. We'll have some tea-riffic raffle prizes on offer, plus a delicious selection of cupcakes, muffins and biscuits, with plenty of vegan and gluten free options!

When: Thursday 27 June from 10am at Op for Change, 199 Pittwater Rd, Manly

📷 .vegancakes

Do you have cupboards full of used candle containers? Why not donate for good?
Did you know that you can return your preloved candle containers and they'll be magically transformed into beautiful new candles that will light up the homes of domestic violence survivors and refugees.

This generous and sustainable initiative called UpCandle is from the wonderful folks at CandleXChange, who are not only committed to supporting local charities, but are on a mission to prevent old candle containers, which aren't locally recyclable, from entering the waste stream.

As a stockist of their gorgeous Australian Bush scent candle (with all sales going to the Northern Beaches Women's Shelter), we're delighted to announce that Op for Change is now a UpCandle partner and a drop-off point for preloved containers.

Here's how you can participate:
1. Gather your used candle containers
2. Ensure they're clean and in good condition (full cleaning tips are provided online at www.candlexchange.com.au)
3. Drop them off at Op for Change, 199 Pittwater Rd, Manly

And if you have a special container you can also bring it in and arrange to have it refilled.

A reminder that LocalKind's Shop for Good weekend is underway! Along with other participating businesses we're pledging a percentage of our sales over the weekend to , who provide vital support to locals in need. LocalKind provides direct assistance to people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence, plus youth, family and refugee support.

Shop Local + Shop for Good! View the full directory of participating businesses across Manly and Brookvale at https://www.localkind.org.au/shop-for-good/

🌷Happy Mother's Day from the Op for Change team🌷
Wishing all the incredible mum's out there a happy Mothers Day and sending love to those who are dearly missed ❤️

GREAT NEWS for all the dog parents out there.
Our Op For Change store is dog friendly 🐕🐾🐶
📍Shop 1-2, 199 Pittwater Road, Manly 2095

For many years of memories
Stay with me evermore
To whisper to my family
To hear the tales of war
As the sun sets in the evening
I pay my last respects
To my fallen comrades sleeping
Forever, Lest We Forget

🌹

We’re excited to introduce some regular shopping nights in-store, kicking off with our first evening on Thursday 18 April – “Sip, Shop + Style” celebrating our beautiful new space and the release of some gorgeous designer clothing we’ve been gifted.

Join us for champagne and shopping with our special guest for this event, stylist Amanda Delaforce. Amanda has kindly offered to donate her time to chat about all things styling, from tips geared to adapting to changes in lifestyle and body shape and how to shop for styles that suit you and fit within your budget. Amanda’s philosophy is that real style is not about what is fashionable but finding what makes you look and feel fabulous.

Initially from the UK, Amanda has had a career in advertising and marketing, working in the UK, Europe and Australia. She moved into fashion working as a stylist with a Swedish designer, then Head Stylist at Myer, then with Bianca Spender. She now works freelance with a number of clients both locally, interstate and overseas.

We hope you can make it and stay tuned on our stories over the coming week as we give you a sneak peak of some of the featured outfits.

And as always, 100% of our profits go to charity and Amanda has nominated the to be the recipient for the evening’s sales.

When: Thursday 18 April from 5pm to 8pm
Where: Shops 1 + 2, 199 Pittwater Road, Manly
RSVP: reserve your free ticket at https://events.humanitix.com/sip-shop-style or via the link in our bio

Come and join us on Thursday 2 May for the LocalKind x Op for Change Art Show. Showcasing a range of works from local artists, 100% of all art sales will go to to help fund the valuable work they do in our community. Meet the artists who'll be in attendance to talk about their works and enjoy nibbles by and drinks by and . And of course if you happen to spot a couple of must-have op shop purchases we'll also be taking sales on the night. The event starts from 6pm at 199 Pittwater Rd, Manly. Tickets are free but RSVP is essential at: https://events.humanitix.com/art-show-for-charity

One of our featured charities is the Avalon Youth Hub, a free youth mental health and service navigation hub that brings together a collaboration of services to the Pittwater area.

They were established in 2018 due to a dire shortage of mental health services in the region, and now offer free counselling, case management and a range of activities, events and workshops that respond to the needs of young people aged 12-24. Their vision is to create a strong Northern Beaches community that can find help when needed.

Avalon Youth Hub's collaboration of support services includes KYDS Youth Development Service, Mission Australia Northern Sydney, Headspace Brookvale, Lifeline Northern Beaches, KALOF, Northern Beaches Council and The Burdekin Association.

They have open spaces for counselling and support for people who live in the Pittwater area. Don’t be afraid to text 0487 936875 or send them an insta dm!.

And if you're interested in checking them out, on Wednesday afternoons they hang out at Dunbar Park handing out Zooper Doopers, playing music, and connecting with the community, plus they've also got some awesome youth week activities coming up!

hub

First, a huge thank you! Since we opened we've received tremendous support from our community; you've shopped, you've dropped in for a chat, you've volunteered and you've spread the word! But most of all you've gifted us an incredible range of quality, preloved items. However, our little storeroom is bursting at the seams and we physically can't take any more stock. So, we need to ask you to pause donations for the time being, until we can clear some of the items we have. Bring a friend, come and check out our new space and shop! The more sales we make, the more we can donate!

Call now to connect with business.

Come and join us for a fun and creative workshop where you will be inspired to upcycle your old and broken jewellery into new and unique sustainable pieces.

In a relaxed atmosphere, guided by Mel Stone, a local maker and upcycled jewellery designer, you won't believe how easy it is to bring your own designs to life, for earrings, necklaces and bracelets. You will get hands on with some basic tools and techniques that will launch you into mixing and matching existing jewellery into fresh new designs.

What to bring: Unwanted or broken jewellery (chains, charms, beads, keyrings, badges etc) and glasses if you need to wear them for close up work

What will be provided:
- Additional scrap jewellery pieces to add to your designs
- Tools - pliers and cutters
- Jewellery findings - jump rings, clasps and earring hooks
- Light refreshments
- Workshop Duration: 2.30pm to 4pm

To book see the link in bio or visit: https://events.humanitix.com/jewellery-upcycling-workshop

Our workshop co-ordinator Mel Stone has nominated the to be the recipient of the proceeds from this workshop.

Oppy Christmas!

We had a lot of fun creating our festive Op Shop themed display for the Northern Beaches Christmas Window Competition.

Our message is about spreading the Christmas cheer through your community by supporting small business and shopping locally and sustainably. And although you probably won't be able to avoid making a trip to the mall for much of your shopping, consider browsing your local Op Shop for some sustainable gifts, and unwrap the JOY of surprise! All sorts of eclectic treasures are waiting to be discovered and are perfect to GIVE as unique, environmentally-friendly gifts or Secret Santa presents.

So, from the Op for Change team, we HOPE you have a wonderful Christmas 🎁🎄

And please vote for our Christmas window! You can scan the QR code in-store or vote on the Council's website!

Manly Observer Northern Beaches Council

Over the past few months we’ve been fundraising for the Northern Beaches Women's Shelter in support of the incredible service they provide the community.

So, at our recent presentation evening hosted by Op for Change ambassador Miranda Fair, we were thrilled to be able to present Shelter Manager Narelle Hand with our contribution, a total fundraising effort of $15,000!

This donation included over $500 raised from our Sunday drawing afternoon run by Toni, from Art Classes With Toni. Toni volunteered her time and skills to hold a unique “op shop” themed drawing workshop in-store, with all proceeds going to the Shelter. Plus all sales of the beautiful NBWS candles and other direct donations helped contribute to our fundraising total!

We are incredibly grateful to have our community’s support, so to those of you who have donated, shopped or supported us in any way, we say thank you. It’s your support of our little shop that has enabled us to give these funds to the Shelter. Thank you!

We’re part of this year’s Garage Sale Trail which is being held over the weekends of 11-12 and 18-19 November. Check out for your local trail map, and pay us a visit if you’re in the area! We’re open Sat 10am to 4pm and Sun 10am to 2pm. Happy shopping! 🛍️

100% of profits to charity ♻️

We’re currently supporting MoWaNa Northern Beaches Safe Space, a non-clinical drop in style place available to anybody who is feeling anxious, distressed, suicidal, lonely, overwhelmed, scared and / or depressed. Their volunteer “peer care companions” have lived experience and have been trained to help you in your time of need. They will welcome you, hold space for you, listen and NOT judge you and will help you find warm connections to other appropriate and reliable supports if that’s what you need. MoWaNa has a trauma informed “no wrong door” approach and all is confidential and can be anonymous if you prefer.  You are welcome to come back time and time again. MoWaNA hopes to be open 24/7 one day but at the moment you can drop in on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights between 5pm and 9pm, Wednesday and Thursday mornings 8am to 10am. The venue is the Mind Cafe, Shop 3, 1346 Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen.

Fancy a spring fling?

Community Northern Beaches is celebrating Spring with a fundraiser and community event this Sat 4 November at Manly Pacific.

Guest speaker Nedd Brockmann will inspire with his incredible story — running across the entire length of Australia from Perth to Bondi and raising a staggering $2.5M for charity.

And enjoy food stalls (paella, curry station, charcuterie, all with vegetarian options), live band, 3-hour beverage package, silent auction, raffle and DJ... all included in your ticket.

This evening promises to be a lot of fun and is all about celebrating and making a difference in our community.

Op for Change is delighted to have a double pass to the Spring Fling to give away. To enter:

1. Follow .for.change and on instagram or facebook.
2. Tag the friend you’d love to invite

And make sure you’re available to attend this Sat 4 November at 6pm at Manly Pacific.Entries close at midnight Wed 1 November and the winner will be announced on 2 November.

Tickets are still available from: https://events.humanitix.com/community-northern-beaches-spring-fling-carnival-with-nedd-brockmann
brockmann

MoWaNa is here for you tonight 5-8pm.

Did you know we’re a collection hub for , a social enterprise dedicated to saving electronics from landfill.

Since 2019 founders Lisa and Adrian (formerly Arnies Recon) have diverted over 6500 tonnes of electronics through their network of committed recyclers, collectors and refurbishers.

And Whirl support our work by donating a portion of their profits back to us for the items we collect in-store. Win win!

Items that can dropped off:
• mobile phones
• laptops, desktop computers, keyboards and hard drives
• cameras, lenses and accessories
• servers, switches, modems and routers
• tablets, iPads, iPods, iPhones and Android
• Gameboys, Nintendos, Xbox, Playstations and computer games
• garden and small to medium power tools
• cords and cables
• turntables, DVD players, stereos, vintage mobile phones, vintage radios, receivers, amplifiers and motors
📷

100% of profits to charity ♻️

Cocktails by the pool? 🍹🦜Camilla silk off the shoulder top, with tropical bird and floral design + crystal beaded detail on frill (Small)


100% of profits to charity ♻️

Community is at the very heart of Op for Change and as a fully volunteer run organisation, our mission is to create a community-centred, sustainable shopping space that will give 100% of our operating profits back to local charities. So, we thought a great place to start was close to home with Community Northern Beaches. CNB are an independent, not-for-profit organisation that has been operating since 1977 and provides a wide range of services, such as homeless outreach, family child and youth support, domestic and family violence, multicultural assistance for migrants and refugees, volunteering options, plus a community hub and drop-in space at 52 Raglan Street, Manly. As one of our first featured charities, we’re proud to be fundraising and supporting

Pictured are Jaz and Saskia with Mel at Op for Change, plus some of CNB's awesome volunteers 😊