October 1, 2018, Brantford, ON.
It is a feeling of excitement, moving into a new home.
That’s the feeling shared by Pat Lenz, President of The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Brant, her executive and the many Vincentian volunteers who work in their Thrift Store. “This move has been at least three years in the making since we decided to sell our store on Colborne Street and purchase the former Crosby Cable YMCA building at 143 Wellington Street, (at Clarence), ” said Ms. Lenz.
“Since October 2015, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Brant had been on a mission to find a new home. The Thrift Store had outgrown its space downtown so that building was sold,” continued Lenz.
Call it luck or divine intervention for both organizations when the Y and the Vincentians agreed on the sale and purchase of the Crosby Cable building at 143 Wellington Street. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Brant needed a building and the Y needed to get out of their building. It was a good fit for both parties. Now almost three years later the dream for both organizations is becoming a reality.
The new Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store has many more amenities than the old store. A large parking lot offering free parking, the entire facility is on one floor making it accessible for all, twice the retail space, twice the loading space, twice the sorting area, a volunteer staff lunchroom, a private consultation room for neighbours in need and a large boardroom and reception area including a drive up door to accept donations.
Renovations are currently underway to convert the former YMCA facility into a sparkling new retail space ready to offer clothing in one large area for women, men and children and furniture in another area. The larger space, large aisles, new shopping carts, bigger, private change rooms and more choice will make for a pleasant shopping experience.
Pat Lenz is excited about this new beginning. “We assembled an enthusiastic group of professionals who have worked collaboratively with our dedicated Society volunteers to make our dream a reality.” She goes on to add, “Visit us at our new facility. We look forward to seeing all of our former customers and many new Thrift Store shoppers. You will not be disappointed.”
A ‘soft opening’ of the new Thrift Store is scheduled for Saturday, October 13, 2018. Activities include free face painting, free hot dogs, and a free draw every hour for a Thrift Store $25 gift certificate. There is lots of free parking. Check the Society’s website www.ssvpbrant.ca and its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SSVPBrant/.
Looking forward to the new opening
The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift store has always had a kind and friendly atmosphere. The volunteers have worked so hard over the last 20 years that I have gone there to buy or donate items. They do wonderful work and I’m looking forward to seeing their new Thrift Store!
My thanks to all those great volunteers and all those who have donated to such a worthy cause!