Card shop in its 36th year

The search for the perfect Christmas card became a lot easier this week as Kiama’s combined charities Christmas card shop was officially opened.

Operating from the RSL rooms in the old council chambers, the card shop offers patrons a wide range of unique Christmas cards, ensuring that each card you give this year is different.

In its 36th year of operation, the card shop has proved popular with Kiama residents, as it is the only one of its kind in the area.

“We know of one in Sydney and in Orange but I think we’re the only one in the country areas and the only one locally,” Manager Gwen Hinthliffe said.

The shop was originally launched by the late mayoress of the time, who organised a public meeting, encouraging charities to get involved.

“14 charities volunteered at the time and it always used to operate at the RSL before it was demolished and the new council chambers were built,” Mrs Hinthliffe said.

“We have been in here since the 1970s and the RSL have been so supportive, they always make this space free for us at this time of year.”

Mrs Hinthliffe has managed the card shop for nearly 30 years and said that they were usually always busy.

“We want to try and sell all the cards we can – the first few days that we’re open, we’re always very busy so people should get in quick so they have a better range of cards to choose from.”

More than 80 different cards are available and all the cards have been selected by charities including Amnesty, the Children’s Medical Research Institute, Bible Society, the Uniting Church, Save the Children, Red Cross, the Leprosy Mission and Cystic Fibrosis.

Volunteers from the individual organisations will staff and operate the shop, making it one of the only card shops in NSW staffed entirely by volunteers.

All the proceeds from card sales will be given back to the individual charities.

“People like to buy these cards for the good will attached to them – they know that they’re buying something that helps people and goes to a good cause,” Mrs Hinthliffe said.

The card shop will be open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm until Friday, December 5.