Castor's second-hand thrift store, the Opportunity Shop had another successful year.
The volunteer-run organization announced in a December social media post that, thanks to the community's support, over $22,000 in funds raised were being dispersed to various groups around the community.
Known informally as the "Op-Shop," the little store operates by receiving and reselling good-quality second-hand items to the community. All funds raised are kept in Castor.
In 2024, following a callout on social media requesting groups to put forward requests for funds, the volunteers decided to award $6,000 to Castor Minor Sports for the swimming pool, $3,000 each to the Castor Municipal Library and the Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Auxiliary, $2,000 each to Castor Winterfest, Busy Bee Daycare, Castor and District Family and Community Support Services, and Castor's Paintearth Lodge, $1,500 to the Dollywood Imagination Library, and $1,000 to the Gus Wetter Travel Club.
The Castor Op-Shop will open on Jan. 9 for the first time in 2025, kicking off its 52nd year.
