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November 14th, the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, is the World Day of the Poor. We at the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul – Brant, invite you to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters, especially at this uncertain time. We encourage you to lend a hand by participating in our guignolée or in our collection of food supplies. In this very busy period, we always need volunteers and, of course, financial help is always appreciated. You may donate to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul team in our community, or directly to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, via our website, at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-society-of-st-vincent-de-paul-particular-council-of-br/

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

Beginning July 16, 2021 we will increase the number of retail shoppers to 19 people at a time. Shoppers will queue 2 meters (6 feet) apart outside the store and will not be waiting in the lobby. Inside the store we will have a washroom and two fitting rooms open for our shoppers’ convenience. We will continue to follow our pandemic store shopping schedule of Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

COVID-19 pandemic protocols continue to be in place for the safety and comfort of customers, donors and all of the staff volunteers. Face masks must be worn by all shoppers and volunteers. Social distancing will be in place and sanitizer will be available.

Based on the tentative Ontario reopening timetable announced on May 20th, this is our plan:

As of June 1st, we began preparations (sorting etc.) for reopening.

• On Saturday, June 12th we will resume Saturday pick up & delivery of furniture;
• On Tuesday, June 15th we will reopen for retail shopping, following our pandemic schedule of Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. until 2:30. Note: For the first few weeks we will be limited to 6 shoppers at a time (i.e. 15% capacity) in the retail space – so we will be limiting shopping time to 30-minute periods;
• On Wednesday, June 16th we will resume our pandemic practice of accepting non-furniture donations each Wednesday between 9 a.m. & noon. Furniture donations will be accepted by appointment for either pick up or drop off (email ssvpbrant@gmail.com or call 519-751-0143).

NOTE: Even if the province moves up the date for Stage 1 reopening (to earlier than June 14th) we will stick with this schedule so that our preparations can be completed. Of course, if Stage 1 is delayed we will have to comply with whatever new date is set.