When opportunity shops closed under pandemic restrictions, Ms Gollam was keen to find a way to keep making a difference. But her values were important.

In launching an online hub amid the pandemic, Ms Gollam's focus has been on showing respect to donated items and the personalised stories that travel with them while allowing a space for people to buy pre-loved clothes and knick-knacks they need or that make them feel better for a low cost.

In turn, every cent raised goes directly to charity work in Ballarat and Ms Gollam was particularly passionate about this fact, that people could see exactly what their money and efforts achieve. Already this has secured an oven, cook top and fan for a second Soup Bus, equipment for Ballarat Hospice Care and a $1000 boost to WRISC accommodation.

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Ms Gollam, who had been an op shop volunteer, was gifted a deceased estate to sell for charity and did so from home via social media with contactless pick-up. To create a charity was a complete different challenge, so friend Sue Simmonds and Rotary Club of Ballarat West helped Ms Gollam set up under the pandemic.

"When everyone was closing down I thought 'we can keep going and keep going safely'," Ms Gollam said.

"This is the time when we need (charities) more: more people are seeking food from the Soup Bus, there is more family violence and more people are coming home from hospital for palliative care with loved ones."

Rotarians have been helping to pick-up and drop-off items. A couple of Ballarat Grammar students have volunteers to help promote the hub on Instagram, to link this with the Facebook group, and model clothes for posts.

Ms Gollam was not keen to call the project an opportunity shop with care such a big factor, for example, gifting clothes to a family most in need.

This is a personal mission for Ms Gollam as well, who turned to volunteering in an op shop when her dad died 18 months ago. This was an avenue for Ms Gollam's grief, having long been a full time carer for both her parents.

Ms Gollam's dad, who died aged 99, was a hard-worker and she felt his spirit right with her in this charity work.

Ballarat Hospice Care chief executive officer Carita Clancy said this charity, under the banner of Rotary Club of Ballarat West, was a "wonderful example of compassion, ingenuity and kindness". Ms Clancy welcomed the support in purchasing a special cushion to bring comfort to Hospice's palliative care clients.

As some op shops re-open across the community, Ms Gollam hoped this would allow a chance to source more volunteer help to get her platform up and running. For now, donated goods are stored and sorted in her husband's shed.

To donate or buy, visit The Rotary Club of Ballarat West - Fundraising for the Ballarat District page on Facebook. Or call, 0417 041 840.