Broken to Brilliant Op Shop

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If you are a keen thrift shopper, are you shopping for the right cause? Why not seek out charity op shops with impactful programmes and support them with your shopping dollars? One such organisation worth considering is Broken to Brilliant, a small, not-for-profit charity that helps domestic violence (DV) survivors build back their lives.



Broken to Brilliant currently operates two op shops that are run by volunteers and directors. The first was opened in the northside suburb of Geebung in 2020 and a second store was set up in Brisbane city in late 2021. They both sell a selection of clothing, bric-a-brac, jewellery, and accessories. In the winter of 2022, the city op shop had recently stocked up on some boutique-style clothing while the Geebung store was doing a brisk trade selling winter woollies due to the colder-than-usual season.





Broken to Brilliant relies on donations, sale of its books and ebooks, fundraising events, and the occasional grant to support its work. When founder Andrea Millar lost her job during the Covid pandemic in 2020, the decision was made to devote time and effort to expand into the retail sector as an additional way to fund its community work.



The programmes provide mentoring and support to DV survivors who have safely left the abusive relationship. Examples of its healing and empowerment programmes are equine art therapy, writing, financial management, exercise, yoga practice, and the distribution of DV survival books to refuges across Australia.

The organisation is run by DV survivors, a few of whom are now directors. Its patron is Karen Jacobsen, the voice of Apple's virtual assistant Siri, and the voice behind Tomtom's navigation system. Cool, huh? If you're keen to meet "Siri" in person, why not attend Broken to Brilliant's Christmas in July high tea where Karen Jacobsen will be in attendance. Tickets can be bought through www.brokentobrilliant.org.


GEEBUNG OP SHOP
Shop 2b
2-6 Railway Parade
Geebung Qld 4034

Opening hours
Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Saturday 9am-3pm

BRISBANE CITY OP SHOP
Shop 1d, Blockade & Ferguson Arcade
144 Adelaide Street
Brisbane Qld 4000

Opening hours
Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm



#cheap
#charity
#brisbane_city
#shopping
#second_hand
#northern_suburbs
#geebung
#vintage_retro
#volunteering
%wnbrisbane