Prahran Mission Goodwill Shop 3.19

Whilst strolling down the Windsor end of my local Chapel Street on Saturday
and perusing the window displays in the second hand stores, a funky 70’s retro
lamp catches my eye. The price tag clearly says $15 – what a bargain!
The A frame on the pavement outside informs me there are ‘More Bargains
Inside’.
The interior looks inviting, groovy music is playing and there is a fresh and
appealing aroma in the air. I stare wide-eyed at all the fabulous things inside…
but first to that retro lamp!
I am greeted by the sales assistant behind the counter with a huge, welcoming
smile.
‘Hi, how are you today?!’
‘Great thanks! I’d very much like to have a look at the green lamp in the
window please’.
Oh it’s going to look so amazing in the corner of my lounge room….!!
The assistant leaves me for the window display and suggests that, while I wait, I
might like to take a look in their retro section. She rightly suspects I am a
vintage tragic! I pass the huge clothing area and am naturally drawn to the red
section. I also notice there is a denim sale on - 30% off! I make a mental note
to ensure I look for that denim jacket I have been after for so long. I suddenly
spot a fabulous red skirt and on the next display, red shoes to match! And there
on the table, too, is an incredibly cool and colourful bangle
selection…underneath a poster of a young, pretty girl…..
1 in 5 people in Australia will experience a mental illness at some stage of their
life.
As I look around there are other similar posters on the wall amongst the
paintings and the dress displays…
Most people will fully recover from mental illness, especially if they receive help
early.
What is this place…?
I take a closer look at the wall art; they look like original pieces, signed by the
artists. I also notice there is a selection of one off clothing - ‘Made with you in
Mind’. There are printed T-shirts, hand painted brooches and cool patchwork
skirts, all with ‘The Mission Stores’ label.
This is a real find!
Compelled, I ask the sales assistant what this store is about. She informs me that
she is a volunteer for Prahran Mission and that the money raised from my
purchases goes towards their work, supporting people affected by mental illness
and addiction. People such as the artists and designers featured in the store.
One artist, Roy, is actually a friend of hers and comes into the mission most days for his lunch.
She points to a local community board with posters, events and flyers.
‘We have a local art auction coming up soon. The artists are all people who
have been helped through the mission’. I pick up a flyer from the board and
grab a couple extra for my friends as well.
I check out the blackboard and see that they also have a great coffee shop next
door that serves fabulous 5senses coffee and home made cakes decked out with
local graffiti art. Coffee sounds like a great idea….
I quickly do a last walk around and grab one of those bangles from the table. I
notice that they have a whole selection of books, furniture and homewares at
the back of the store that I haven’t even explored yet. I will certainly be making
a shopping date with my friends to come and visit again, perhaps when we
come to the art auction….
Excited now, I buy my new red outfit and my gorgeous green retro lamp. I
notice on the counter a booklet ‘Hold your Breath – stories and poems from
Prahran Mission writers’. I pick up a copy.
Brilliant, something to read while I have my well earned coffee next door