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3 MAY, 2023
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Pradeep Tiwari, manager of the Op Shop in West Footscray, has started a fundraising campaign to help stay open following a spree of ongoing attacks. (Damjan Janevski) 330857_01
Plea to save charity shop By Jennifer Pittorino
12533599-HC07-22
The West Footscray Op Shop is pleading with the community to save it. Since its opening a short nine months ago, in July 2022, the store has suffered three break-ins and another two attempted break- ins, worsening the store’s condition each time. In addition to the break-ins, the store has suffered from vandalism and theft, consisting of the thousands of dollars worth of security cameras as well as high quality goods that have been generously donated to the store.
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The op shop was created to be a community hub, for the community, run by the community - Pradeep Tiwari
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Store owner and Footscray Traders Association president Pradeep Tiwari is at a loss for what to do next. He has created a GoFundMe to raise as much money as possible to cover the installation of new cameras and money to pay rent.
“It has become extremely stressful financially, myself as well as the volunteers have had to put in money from our own pockets to pay the monthly rent,” he said. “We are hoping to raise awareness and reach out to the people who keep coming back to our shop.” Two months ago Mr Tiwari installed a 16-camera system, now there are only six cameras remaining on the inside. Mr Tiwari is hoping to install a camera that is sturdy enough it can’t be ripped out of the storefront. “The message to the people who continue
to break in is, if you need help we would be more than happy to give you anything during business hours through the front doors,” he said. “The op shop was created to be a community hub, for the community, run by the community. Mr Tiwari said the store has reached the point where further break-ins will mean closure of the community shop. “Any donation big or small would be greatly appreciated,” he said. Details: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ h e lp - ou r- o p - s h o p -i n-we s t-fo o t s c r ayrecover?member=261
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