Charity opens house in town

BIG HOUSE Communities, a church and community mission organisation, is opening a new look op shop in Pakenham.
The shop, due to open on Monday, will be housed in the old Church of Christ op shop, across the car park from the library in Treloar Lane.
As well as housing the op shop, Big House Communities director Andre Van Eymeren said the shopfront would be a much-needed public face for the organisation, established in Pakenham about two years ago.
The mission will have its offices on the premises, and will be creating a community space in the back part of the shop.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us as Big House Communities,” Mr Van Eymeren said.
“The shop will provide not only some great bargains for the community, but a place to come and put up your feet for a while and enjoy a cuppa and a chat.
“Members of the community will be encouraged to use the space for simply coming and relaxing and enjoying a cuppa and a chat with friends.
“We’ll have the Internet on, so people will be able to come and check their emails, find information, and even learn new skills.
“We’re hoping the space will be well used by the community. We’d also like to encourage community groups to use the space for meetings and small workshops.”
The shop will also help to fund the work of Big House Communities and other groups with a similar focus.
Over the past 12 months, Big House has worked with some of the most isolated and needy people in the community, from struggling single-parent families to young people at secondary college to primary school aged kids who are struggling with life.
“We’re looking forward to the opportunities the shop will bring us to be more fully resourced to care for the community.
“With the continued support of the Pakenham community, we look forward to being able to explore new and creative ways to meet the needs of this rapidly growing outer suburb,” Mr Eymeren said.
Big House Communities is looking for continued donations of clothes, furniture and household items, as well as willing volunteers to help staff the shop.
Interested people can phone Andre or Amy on 5941 8147.