The closure of Sue Day's thrift shop in Dunolly due to the coronavirus pandemic led to the retail veteran investing in a cause close to her heart.
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"COVID-19 gave us a lot of opportunities among all the horrible things that happened," Ms Day said.
"The closure gave me time to sit and reflect on what I wanted to do.
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"If I could combine my love of animals and passion for old wares and give something back at the same time, that would be perfect."
Kindness for Critters aims to do just that.
The new store, which opens Monday in Kangaroo Flat, will donate 50 per cent of its profits to animal and wildlife rescue groups.
"The care of our wildlife is often left to kind-hearted and skilled individuals and a few big organisations," Ms Day said.
"I thought I'd try and do something different to help these groups.
Ms Day has spent days preparing her store for its grand opening, with a collection of retro jewelry a highlight.
"My mother left me 18 jewelry boxes and she had a passion for looking fabulous," Ms Day said.
"I'm a tomboy, so it didn't rub off on me, but there are some wonderful pieces."
Crystal vases and one-off pieces also adorn the shops shelves.
"There is something for everyone here," Ms Day said.
Kindness for Critters hopes to establish new trends in recycling and sustainability.
'People have had a lot of time to reflect on the way our society buys and sells goods," Ms Day said.
"There is a rising trend with shoppers looking to upcycle and rehome preloved goods and I hope to build on that."
Liaising with groups such as Buy Nothing New in October and repurposing unwanted goods and clothing into artworks are areas Ms Day hopes to grow.
Kindness for Critters is open from Monday, at 133-135 High Street, Kangaroo Flat.
For more information and opening hours, visit kindnessforcritters.com