Community rallies behind flooded Nambour charity
Founder John O’Hara told a recent Nambour Chamber of Commerce that Neighbours Aid Op Shop has opened a pop-up shop at Nambour Plaza.
Neighbours Aid Op Shop in Nambour is bouncing back after recent flooding forced its closure, thanks to overwhelming community support and the rapid establishment of a temporary pop-up shop.
Founder John O’Hara told yesterday’s (Friday April 3) Nambour Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catchup that the flood, although it reached just six inches high through the shop, was enough to severely disrupt operations at the Howard Street premises.
“We weren’t quite high enough to avoid the flood. It was enough to close us down,” Mr O’Hara said.
However, Nambour’s community spirit shone brightly as more than 30 volunteers spontaneously arrived to help clean and restore the premises.
“People just dropped everything to help—I didn't even know many of them. They brought food, cleaning supplies, and encouragement,” Mr O’Hara said.
The volunteers quickly stripped damaged carpets and removed flood debris, helping the charity resume operations. Despite this effort, the discovery of some asbestos flooring means further extensive work is necessary before the store can reopen fully.
In the meantime, Neighbours Aid secured a temporary pop-up location at Nambour Plaza, opening just two days after making initial enquiries. Mr O’Hara praised Plaza management for swift assistance and generous rates offered to the charity.
“We called them in the morning, had the paperwork by afternoon, and had the keys by the next day. It’s been fantastic,” he said.
Neighbours Aid relies heavily on its Nambour shop, which generates around a third of the charity’s income, directly funding projects supporting over 10,000 disadvantaged children in developing countries. Since its beginnings in Nambour 20 years ago, the charity has grown significantly, contributing more than $7 million globally.
Neighbours Aid hopes to return home to Howard Street next month. In the meantime visit the pop-up store at the Plaza.
• To volunteer or donate, visit www.neighboursaid.org or call 5476 2383.