An op shopper for over 30 years, Ms Killeen is one of the faces of National Op Shop Week this year. 

This is the 6^th year of the initiative which will be held from August 27 until September 2 and aims to bring charities like the Salvos Stores, Vinnies and the Australian Red Cross into the spotlight. 

National Op Shop Week is about getting Australia to throw their support behind more than 2000 charities in Australia and fellow face of the event Craig Reucassel, best known from the Chasers, praised the role of op shops in the war on waste. 

“National Op Shop Week is trying to encourage people to go to their local op shops and they’re amazing places. They’ve not only got great clothes but they’re helping people in need and they’re also saving the environment so, you know, what’s to lose?” he said. 

“We are throwing out an enormous amount of clothes in Australia and there’s no real proper recycling route other than op shops. Only give op shops good clothes, high quality clothes that you or your family members would wear.”

Op Shop week founder Jon Dee’s passion for op shops comes from his own personal experience. 

“I was 18 and living in London. The only way I could get a job interview was if I had a suit. The local op shop lent me one.

“I have experienced the huge effect that op shops have had for people by giving them a chance. I see the really good work that charities on the front line do for those who are doing it tough,” Mr Dee said.

“The week is about three things. Getting people to donate to, shop at and volunteer at op shops. Volunteers are the backbone of charities.”

But while charities receive over 2 billion items a year, Mr Dee said one of the key things they are in need of is better quality items. 

“Fortunately most donations can be given away or sold. But charities are having to spend billions of dollars on landfill.” he said.