Pop-up shop a beacon for single mums in need

By LUCY HOLMES

Bendigo mother Sammy Lysaght helped more than 70 people over the weekend by organising a free pop-up op-shop.

The second "mums 4 mums" pop-up shop was held at the Kennington Playgroup Centre on Sunday. Tables were piled high with donated second-hand clothes, toys and non-perishable food.

Ms Lysaght created the Bendigo Surrounds Single Mothers In Need (mums 4 mums) Facebook group to help others facing difficulty.

In less than 10 months, the Facebook group has grown to 850 members. They take donations of baby items and help individuals and families affected by crime and people affected by domestic violence. 

“We help six emergency cases every two months,” she said.

Now, the mums 4 mums group holds a pop-up op-shop every three to four months for struggling single parents and families.

All the goods available are free.

“I don’t like to ask for a cent from our mums because they do it hard, and sometimes it’s hard to find a dollar,” said Ms Lysaght.

“Some people can’t even afford to shop at an op-shop.”

Ms Lysaght has only limited education, after leaving school in year 8, and is a former drug addict. Many of the pop-up shop's customers are yet to overcome these issues themselves.

Bendigo has a high rate of drug misuse. Victorian Crime Statistics Agency figures show that 116.8 drug and trafficking offences were recorded per 100,000 residents in 2014.

In Ms Lysaght's experience, drug users have no money and are unable to support others.

She said it was satisfying to see the joy on people’s faces when they were given goods. Items are donated to Ms Lysaght's group by individuals and businesses in the area.

“I don’t want thankyous, I just want smiles,” she said.

She is grateful for the support from the Bendigo community. “We’re very lucky that we’ve got a pretty giving community that wants to help others.”

It was important to use initiative to get out of bad situations, she said. “You’ve got to replace the hard times with something good in your life to forget the bad."

Bendigo Mayor Rod Fyffe has praised Ms Lysaght’s civil leadership. He said it was important for young people to be proactive to achieve goals.

“It shows that these people know what’s needed and then they know how to source what’s needed,” Cr Fyffe said.

If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, dial triple zero (000)