Community programs

A black vintage jacket designed by famed Australian journalist and ABC Chairwoman Ita Buttrose will be auctioned this weekend as RSPCA South Australia launches its eighth Adelaide op shop.

The prized item – which appears unworn, with labels still attached – was designed in the early 1990s as part of the Ita’s Collection fashion range and kindly donated to RSPCA’s op shops last month.

Ms Buttrose said she was “delighted” the jacket would help raise money for animals in need – a cause that has long been close to her heart.

“I have always been a supporter of RSPCA and the quality care it provides for animals, and particularly the work it does in rehoming animals,” Ms Buttrose said.

“The jacket that has found its way to the RSPCA Op Shop looks like new. I do hope someone enjoys wearing it. If only it could talk. I wonder where it has been all these years?”

While the Ita’s Collection jacket will be available for silent auction, countless other beautiful vintage and secondhand pieces will be available for sale from this Saturday at the new Sefton Park Op Shop.

Prominently located on Regency Road, near the intersection with Main North Road, and with easy public transport access, the new store also includes a large range of children’s clothing and toys.

RSPCA South Australia Commercial Operations Manager Ben Dawson hoped the community would rally behind the large Sefton Park store, purchasing items to help fund RSPCA’s mission work – saving 10,000+ animals in need each year.

“Shopping in our RSPCA op shops is a great way to get some retail therapy – but it’s more than that,” Mr Dawson said.

“Our shoppers are able to provide a second chance not only to the items in our store, but also to animals in our care. That’s a purchase you can really feel good about.”

All are welcome to attend this Saturday’s grand opening event, which begins at 9am and features:

•  A fashion parade at 11am.
• Goodie bags for the first 20 customers through the door.
• A Rio coffee cart on standby to rejuvenate tired shoppers.
• Plenty of giveaway prizes.
•  Visit from hit107 Black Thunders.

A silent auction of the Ita’s Collection black jacket.

Mr Dawson said community members can further support the new RSPCA Sefton Park store by donating items or volunteering their time.

Donations can be made at any of RSPCA South Australia’s existing seven op shops, located at Kidman Park, Blackwood, Brighton, Warradale, Semaphore, Marden and Prospect, as well as at RSPCA’s Stepney headquarters or Lonsdale shelter.

To help ensure items are of high enough quality for resale, Mr Dawson urged people to only donate items that they would happily give to a friend.

The new Sefton Park op shop is located at Shop 2, Regency Plaza, 269 Main North Rd, Sefton Park.

More information about RSPCA SA’s Op Shops, including accepted items and the opportunity to volunteer, can be found here.