Our Lady Thrift Shop is located on Kilpatrick Street, behind the Rialto Cinema.
It was started many years ago by Nick Haar, who with his wife Louise and the help of volunteers, helped many of the Valley's homeless.
With Nick's recent retirement, and under a new board and management, there have been a few changes. Although Nick's original mandate is still in place, it has been expanded to making a second priority of the single parent and child, responding to a local need.
To that end, staff are committed to providing help with furniture and clothing for children and babies whenever possible, and also with transportation of items of furniture which may be found in the shop or on Craigslist.
It would be a great help if local citizens could donate their baby furniture, clothing and equipment once it is no longer needed, knowing it will go to a local family in need. Every donation helps the thrift shop to help others. And any family in need is welcomed.
It is worthy of note that young people today, students and young working people, are highly conscious of waste. More and more, they see the practical benefit in recycling, and often come in to the shop to find gently worn clothes, footwear and household goods.
Our seniors have known about recycling for years, and seem to enjoy looking for bargains.
Holiday decorations are a big seller, and many families are giving up the tinsel Christmas and are once again purchasing the more permanent holiday items which can be used again and again and which hold onto family memories.
At this time, the busy shop is calling for extra volunteers for three- or six-hour shifts, once a week. It is a happy environment, and the act of helping others brings tremendous fulfillment.
Call 250-338-4845 or drop by at 2703 Kilpatrick in Courtenay.
— Our Lady Thrift Shop