A Woy Woy pop-up shop established to help local charities through the pandemic is now struggling due to the same crisis, with hopes that a rare book sale might drum up some community interest.
Woy Woy Antiques and Collectables in Deepwater Plaza was set up in June last year during the height of COVID-19.
Store manager Mitchell Gordon said the shop was established to help different charities directly affected by the crisis.
“The pop-up shop gives a percentage of its monthly profits to different local charities, it is staffed by a group of enthusiastic local volunteers who assist me daily,” Gordon said.
“Brisbane Water Rotary Club, Coast Shelter, Brisbane Water Historical Society and RSPCA NSW Central Coast Shelter are some of the local charities that have received donations.
“Ironically, COVID is currently jeopardising the shop’s future— localised outbreaks are seriously affecting sales on a daily basis.”
Gordon said the shop had donated around $700 per month to a different local charity last year which had now dropped by more than half.
Community members can help by visiting the store to donate items or by purchasing a book, an antique or a collectable, with a rare book sale currently available for January.
With over 50 rare books for sale, priced between $10 and $295, there is sure to be something of interest for everyone.
“A rare book which has graced the hands of a pioneer aviator will now sit in pride of place in the heart of Woy Woy this month,” Gordon said.
“The Grasshoppers Come, by David Garnett, with an inscription by aviator, librettist, biographer, poet, memoirist and artist Baroness Maie Casey is a part of a selection of rare titles available.
“Other titles include a scarce 1776 edition of The Iliad and a signed copy of Nancy Wake’s 2001 biography.”
There are more than 1000 books for sale, most between $2 and $5, with a percentage of profits going to Mary Mac’s Place.
“People in the community have donated the rare books; they chose to donate, knowing that we are helping local charities,” Gordon said.
“The more customers that come through the door, the more local not-for-profit organisations we can assist.”
The COVID-19 safe sale runs until January 31, 9.30am-5.30pm on weekdays, 9.30am-4.30pm on Saturdays, and 10am-3.30pm on Sundays.
Hayley McMahon