On Friday, 25 July, the Salvation Army Family Store in Ayr officially shut its doors to the public, putting an end to its thirty-year spell of servicing the Burdekin.
The closure, ordered by the organisation’s head office in Brisbane, came as a shock to regular visitors—and especially to employees, who were notified of the decision just a few days prior.
“It’s a shame, because they don’t see the impact it has on the community,” said store manager Kieran MacElroy. “There’ve been a lot of people coming in and showing their support.”
But the dire news didn’t deter the store from showing out for the community one last time, hosting a massive sale and giving away most items for free as locals poured in.
For the store, it was one last opportunity to give back to the community that had supported them for the last three decades.
“We are very grateful for our customers,” said MacElroy. “We’ve made some great relationships. For a lot of locals, visiting was their weekly or daily thing.”
And although the Salvation Army’s doors are closing, MacElroy hopes that locals continue to support other charities in the region.
“We appreciate every donation—that’s what has kept us going. We encourage people to keep doing that with Lifeline and Vinnies,” said MacElroy.
The Salvation Army Family Store in Ayr officially shut its doors to the public, putting an end to its thirty-year spell of servicing the Burdekin. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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