Margaret Cooper and John Landers picked items from the shop to dress from head-to-toe. Dresses, shoes, jewellery, handbags and even headgear (if you’re quick) are all available for a couple of dollars each.

Men’s suits cost just $10, and there are shirts, ties and belts to complete the outfit.

The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service support group – which operates the op shop and other ventures to keep the vital rescue service in the air – is keen to spread the word that good quality items are available in the shop, often with little or no wear. It pays to make return visits, too, with a good turnover of stock contributing to the $26,000 banked since the shop’s opening on April 1.

To prove the point, the group is putting on a fashion parade at the Telegraph Hotel’s Melbourne Cup lunch on Tuesday, November 1, with models wearing selections from the shop. It promises to be a fun day with lots of activities starting at noon in addition to the three-course lunch, with champagne for all ladies on arrival, lucky door prizes, multiple raffles and, of course, Melbourne Cup Sweeps.

There will also be prizes for the best-dressed gent and lady, op shop optional.

All proceeds to do the support group, but the $20 tickets are limited to 45 only so book by calling (02) 6736 1015 or at the hotel to secure a front row seat to the Op Shop parade.