Bishop of Wagga Gerard Hanna yesterday blessed the Sanger Street store at an opening attended by about 80 people, including St Vincent de Paul Society management, councillors and volunteers.

Bishop Hanna said the store was a wonderful centre, grown from humble beginnings.

“We stand on the shoulders of those people who established the society at Corowa,” he said.

“We have come to this because of others who have worked before us.

“It’s organised and well set out.

“I could see it would be quite a pleasure for somebody to come here and buy the things they need at a very reasonable price — if indeed they need to pay at all, depending on their circumstances.”

Retail area manager Alan Dickens said the new support centre next door could help 20 families a week with services and goods such as counselling, clothing, furniture, food, rent and bills.

“The retail is not just there to raise funds for the support centre, it’s also there to give people some self-esteem when they have money to buy what they need,” he said.

“This new store has a private entrance to the support area, which is also good for clients’ self-esteem and privacy.”

Bishop Hanna and Mr Dickens both thanked the volunteers for their hard work.