Family Life Op Shop, Highett: Shop for Social Good on Railway Parade

Every treasure on the racks at the Family Life Op Shop in Highett, at 12-14 Railway Parade, does double duty. It finds a new home, and it helps a local family. Family Life says all proceeds from the sales at its stores go directly into helping local individuals and families, which is why it calls its social enterprise shops "the heart of Family Life".

Shop for social good

Family Life operates 12 community op shops across the Bayside, Port Phillip, Mornington Peninsula and Kingston regions of Victoria, with a warehouse that hosts special monthly sales of quality second-hand goods. The organisation says its shops are more than retail spaces: they are community hubs that foster social connection, inclusion and a sense of belonging. Every purchase contributes to Family Life's programs, services and initiatives, and all proceeds stay within the local community.

A charity with deep local roots

Family Life was founded in 1970 by a group of caring citizens who wanted to help families in Melbourne's southern Bayside suburbs. Today it describes itself as purpose-driven, independent and not for profit, and its work spans family violence support, parenting and family support, mental health and counselling, separation support, and school and community programs. It describes its vision as enabling children, young people and families to thrive in caring communities.

Donating pre-loved goods

The shop welcomes donations of quality items, with a simple rule of thumb from Family Life: ask yourself, "Would I give this to a friend or relative?" or "Would I pay money for this?" Anything you can carry in a bag can be donated straight to an op shop, and the donation guide lists clothing for men, women and children, hats, gloves, shoes, tableware, pots and pans, bric-a-brac, books, DVDs, vinyl, toys, lamps, rugs and coffee tables among the items it gratefully accepts. Donations should only be dropped off during opening hours, and the guide also lists a few items the shops cannot take, so it is worth reading before you pack the car.

Volunteers and community

Family Life's op shops are supported by what it calls a vibrant, engaged volunteer community, and the organisation invites people to volunteer with it. For news, promotions and events, it suggests following its Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Visit Family Life Op Shop Highett

You will find the Highett shop at 12-14 Railway Parade, Highett. Call (03) 9969 7252 to check the opening hours, or see the op shop pages on the Family Life website for the full list of locations and the donation guide.

Contact

Family Life Op Shop Highett
12-14 Railway Parade, Highett VIC 3190
Phone: (03) 9969 7252
Website: familylife.com.au/op-shops/locations
Hours: Not published on the locations page - call the shop or check Family Life Facebook/Instagram

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