By CASEY NEILL
A DANDENONG North treasure has notched up 40 years of helping the community.
Treasure Trunk Opportunity Shop in Menzies Avenue started as a Uniting Care Church initiative in 1974.
Manager Elaine Burke said a group of parishioners saw a local need for assistance, with many housing commission dwellings in the area at the time.
There were 15 volunteers on board when the store first opened its doors.
Today Dandenong-based disability support service Wallara runs the shop, and four of the original volunteers remain.
Two are Fred and Cathy Batten, who brought four generations of their family to shop’s birthday celebrations on 28 March.
Ms Burke said 250 people popped in throughout the day to offer birthday wishes.
“People even sent us flowers,” she said.
“It was good to see so many people from the community come out.”
Treasure Trunk raises about $60,000 a year.
“Every cent of that money comes back to Wallara to support people with a disability,” Ms Burke said.
And the store provides Wallara clients with more than just money. A support co-ordinator helps them become volunteers behind the counter and on the shop floor, to pick up retail and general living skills.
“We have four every day, and four community people,” Ms Burke said.
“It comes back to those skills that they learn. It’s about becoming part of the community.”
