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Thrift shop turns five

Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society has raised $370,000 since inception
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Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society volunteers at the fifth anniversary celebrations in Sparwood on Saturday. Kimberley Vlasic/The Fress Press The Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society celebrated its fifth anniversary, last Saturday. Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press

In the five years since the Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society opened its doors, the nonprofit organization has raised $370,000 for local causes.

The volunteer-run secondhand store donates all its profits to individuals and groups in need, and is on track to reach $100,000 in sales for this year alone after moving into bigger premises in 2017.

“That’s a pretty big number for a little store in Sparwood,” said manager Katrin Taylor.

“People come in and buy because they know all our donations go back out to the Valley.”

On Saturday, hundreds of shoppers passed through the doors to snap up bargains and celebrate the Society’s fifth anniversary.

There was cake cutting, sales and draws of gift certificates and a handcrafted wall hanging.

The Society is run by about 25 volunteers and is always looking for more, with no minimum commitment required.

Going forward, Taylor said their focus is on paying off their mortgage on the new premises, so that they can raise even more for local causes.

“Thank you to everyone in the Elk Valley for supporting us,” she said.

“Without the donations and without people coming in and shopping, we wouldn’t be able to do this. It’s wonderful and it feels good to be able to give this much back to the community.”

To volunteer with the Society or apply for support, join Elk Valley Thrift Shop Society on Facebook or phone 250-425-0800 or 250-425-3884.