Northern Rivers Animal Services (NRAS) says there’s no better way to give your holiday spirits a lift than to help some abandoned and surrendered furry friends while also being kind to the environment.
The NRAS volunteers say now is the perfect think about upcycling, reducing waste and promoting sustainability by doing your Christmas shopping at the NRAS Op Shop in Ballina, which supports Northern Rivers Animal Services and the wider community.
NRAS Op Shop Manager Donna Lloyd said, ‘We are conscious of reducing our carbon footprint by donating toys, books, puzzles, linen and clothing that have not sold in the shop to Rotary to aid families and children in hospital or attending schools in the South Pacific.
‘Whilst old towels and pillowcases are donated to Northern Rivers Wildlife carers for bedding and comfort for their foster charges, surplus stocks of bric-a-brac, electrical items and furniture are also passed onto the Recycle Shop run by Momentum Collective,’ said Ms Lloyd.
Fresh ideas
The NRAS Op Shop volunteers also have their creative juices flowing this year, using ad hoc bric-a-brac for soy candles and succulent gardens as other ways to recycle and create a revenue stream for the animal rescue group.
They say shopping at the NRAS Op Shop is a great way to save money on setting up your festivities, as many Christmas items that are donated for re-sale, including lights, trees, wrapping paper and decorations, are either brand new or second-hand and in excellent condition.
In terms of gift-giving, NRAS says there’s something for every budget at the op shop. This year the group is trialling ‘Mac & Saff’ mini-Christmas cakes and puddings and doggie treats for the fur-babies, with all natural ingredients, no additives and made with love by the volunteers.
The NRAS Op Shop will be operating extended pre-Christmas trading hours this year, opening on Sundays from 12 November to 17 December (inclusive), 10am–2pm.
Santa will also be making a visit to the NRAS Op Shop on Sunday 3 December. You can book a Christmas ‘Paw Prints’ photo session by calling 0400 624 863.
The NRAS Op Shop is located at 268 River Street, Ballina.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
