Bigger. Brighter. Better.
Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North's Courtenay ReStore was recently renovated and expanded, and store manager Ken Miller says improved organization is likely the biggest change.
"It's a completely different layout," he says. "It's going to be very obvious to our regular customers, and for new customers, hopefully it's easier to find things."
Also, the interior has been repainted and more lights brighten the sales area. About 800 square feet of sales floor space was added via the store layout changes.
But while things have been moved around, the store still features new or used furniture, household appliances and various building supplies, from doors to kitchen cabinets to bathroom sinks.
Items are 50 to 70 per cent less than regular retail prices and proceeds from the ReStore go to local Habitat for Humanity projects.
Another change at the Courtenay ReStore is Miller himself. He decided to take on the role of manager here and help out with the renovation and expansion, after years spent as manager at the Campbell River ReStore.
"I've been involved in two expansions with the Campbell River store and so everybody thought it'd be just a great idea for me to be involved, so I took them up on it," recalls Miller of when he made the decision to come here, adding he's already happy with the Valley.
"I love it here. The people here are great. The community's awesome. There's lots of support happening here."
Habitat has been thanking its numerous volunteers this week, as this week is National Volunteer Week.
Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North volunteer co-ordinator Karen Bezaire says volunteers are very important to the work Habitat does. She points out the countless volunteers helping with Habitat's current Comox Valley housing project.
Teams, individuals and businesses have been working to build three duplexes on Piercy Avenue in Courtenay. Volunteers are still fundraising and work is underway to physically build the last of the duplexes.
Six Comox Valley families will have had a hand up to purchase their own home through Habitat's program once this project is complete.
Bezaire also notes some Habitat volunteers are in the midst of deconstructing two homes in Cumberland to salvage any usable materials.
Volunteers also help out at the ReStore.
Bezaire says more volunteers are always welcome, noting Habitat could use some more help with the deconstruction work in particular.
Anyone interested in volunteering with Habitat can call Karen Bezaire at 250-334-3777. For more information on volunteering or more general information about Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North, visit www.habitatnorthisland.com.
The Courtenay ReStore is located at 1755 13th St. and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com