May 11, 2019, Brantford, ON.
It’s a celebration and a blessing of our new Thrift Store.
His Excellency, Bishop Douglas Crosby O.M.I. from the Diocese of Hamilton helped celebrate the opening of the new Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Brant Thrift Store in Brantford with his blessing ceremony on Saturday May 11, 2019. In addition to his blessing of the new Thrift Store Bishop Crosby recognized the work of the Brant volunteer Vincentians in helping our neighbours in need. The Bishop stated, “This impressive new Thrift Store is a testament to the ongoing work of local Vincentian volunteers whose mission is to live the message of the gospel to serve Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy.” “It was a privilege to have Bishop Crosby here to give his blessing of our new Thrift Store in Brantford” stated Pat Lenz, President, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Particular Council of Brant.
The move to the new Thrift Store at 143 Wellington Street at Clarence has been at least three years in the making since the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul decided to sell their store on Colborne Street and purchase the former Crosby Cable YMCA building.
Volunteers conducted tours for the Bishop and his deanery, dignitaries, donors and honoured invited guests. An inspiring Wall of Recognition acknowledging donors to the capital campaign was unveiled to those in attendance. Some of those recognized The City of Brantford, The Diocese of Hamilton, Empire Homes, SC Johnson & Son, Hankinson Foundation, Don & Joanne Wilkin, Steve & Helen Kun and Ron and Joan Underwood & Family. The Catholic Women’s League of St. Pius Church conducted a private reception then the new store opened to the public for shopping from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
The new Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store offers free parking for over 70 vehicles. The entire facility is on one floor making it accessible for all. It has twice the retail space, twice the loading space, twice the sorting area, a volunteer staff lunchroom, and a large boardroom and reception area including a drive up door to accept donations.
In addition, the sparkling new retail space offers clothing in one large area for women, men, and children, furniture in another area and household items in still another area. The larger space, large aisles, new shopping carts, larger private change rooms and more choice makes for a pleasant shopping experience. What also makes the SSVP Brant Thrift Store unique is that all of the people who work in the store are volunteers, including supervisory staff. Although the Society is a lay Catholic organization store volunteers come from all backgrounds and need not be affiliated with any religious organization.
Vincentians were grateful to Bishop Crosby for the blessing ceremony and look forward to seeing new shoppers as well as familiar faces from their previous location at their new Thrift Store.
