It has already been three years since the opening of the new, bigger and better Society of Saint Vincent DePaul Thrift Store in Brantford. “Time flies when you’re having fun. It seems like yesterday that we moved into the old Crosby Cable YMCA building” quipped Thrift Store Manager, Kristine Paul. Kristine and her team of volunteers have planned a fun event to mark the three-year anniversary at the new store. All existing and former shoppers, donors, partners and benefactors and neighbours in need are invited to celebrate with Vincentian volunteers on Friday October 15 from 11:00am until 1:00pm. There will be free hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages and maybe even a few surprises.
The move to the new Thrift Store at 143 Wellington Street at Clarence started back in 2015 when the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Brant sold their store at 197 Colborne Street and eventually purchased the former Crosby Cable YMCA building.
Many vivid memories come flashing back to Past President Pat Lenz when asked what comes to mind three years later. “I remember volunteers in hard hats and work boots, tirelessly preparing for the opening while we were still a construction site under renovation” recalled Mrs. Lenz. It was also a thrill for all volunteers to see the lineup of customers on the first day of opening, confirming that those very customers had found the store at its new location. It was an even bigger thrill to see the many mobility challenged customers scooting into and around the newly accessible shopping space.
Recently appointed Store Manager, Kristine Paul, has just launched a new $10 Gift Certificate. These new certificates can be purchased to give to prospective customers who have not experienced Thrift Store shopping, to current customers who enjoy the Saint Vincent DePaul Thrift Store experience or to give to friends and relatives on special occasions. All proceeds from the sale of the new $10 Gift Certificates go to help our neighbours in need.
The Saint Vincent DePaul Thrift Store retail space offers clothing in one large area for women, men, and children, furniture and household items. The larger space, large aisles, new shopping carts, bigger private change rooms and more choice makes for a pleasant shopping experience. All of the people who work in the store are volunteers, including supervisory staff, reinforcing the message of the gospel to serve Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy.”
Contact: Mrs. Kristine Paul, Store Manager at the Thrift Store at 519-751-0143 or email at ssvpbrant@gmail.com