Cambridge’s Jumble Around op-shop has done it again.
Jumble Around’s Jane Bell and Marianne Jarvie, at left, with funding recipients Kitty Higgins and Gaye Miller (Cambridge Blind and Low Vision Support Group), and Ngaio Gillies (Mana Hapori Charitable Trust). Photo: Viv Posselt
It has broken all previous records with its 2025 distribution, having just handed out $220,000 to 97 not-for-profit organisations and groups in the Cambridge area. Last year, the op-shop distributed $200,000.
Jumble Around president Marianne Jarvie is delighted, particularly as their own costs have risen over the past year and there are now more op-shops competing in the same market.
“With rising operating costs, we have had to work harder to achieve this profit. Many of our committee work after hours washing and cleaning items for sale so we can obtain the best possible prices,” she told The News last week.
Jarvie said many of the groups rely heavily on funds from Jumble Around to continue operating.
“When people donate their good quality items to us, we can guarantee our recipients will receive ongoing support from us year after year. Everyone who works in Jumble Around is a volunteer, which makes this a very special outlet.”
Jumble Around started in 1968 in the old Leamington Hall. It was set up initially to help support the construction of Cambridge Resthaven; once that was built, the decision was made to keep it going to raise funds for the benefit of the wider community. It has returned well over a million dollars to the community.
Organisations and groups go through a funding application process each year. Among the larger recipients this year are the Philips Search and Rescue Trust, Cambridge Community House and the Cambridge Community Menzshed. Others include Riding for the Disabled, Kiwi Outreach, Interlock Trust, Cambridge St John, schools and other support groups.
Another recipient group, the Cambridge Blind and Low Vision Support Group, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. Two of their members, Gaye Miller and Kitty Higgins, said the $3500 the group received will be immensely helpful in meeting various needs, including the support of their volunteer drivers.
The Mana Hapori Charitable Trust received $3000 this year. One of their team members, Ngaio Gillies, said they were very grateful for the funding, much of which will this year be channelled into providing school lunches in the Cambridge area.
Jarvie said those two organisations were among several who invited Jumble Around volunteers to share their special events during the year by way of thanking them.
“We are very grateful to those groups who share their appreciation of what we do. It means a lot to us.”
Jumble Around president Marianne Jarvie, right, and Robyn Maxwell, are gearing up for a record funding round.
