The wait is over for folks who have been waiting for the New to You thrift store to open in uptown New West.
After years in Sapperton, the charity thrift shop has relocated to 706 Sixth Ave., a space formerly occupied by Denny’s Farm Market. The move took place on Aug. 31, but it’s taken some time for the Royal Columbian Hospital Auxiliary has to get the space into shipshape.
“It’s wonderful,” said Lindy Kirkwood, president of the Royal Columbian Hospital Auxiliary. “We do still have a plywood front door because a piece of glass hasn’t come, but it really is a beautiful store.”
Kirkwood gives a huge kudos to all the volunteers, both auxiliary member and their friends and family, who helped with the new space, saying it would never have come together so beautifully if not for all of their efforts.
For all the passersby who have been asking “When are you opening?” the wait is over, as the shop opened its doors on Friday, Oct. 22 (today). It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New to You welcomes donations of clean clothes and working household items. Because the volunteers expect to be busy dealing with shoppers after being closed for a couple of months, they’re hoping they won’t be immediately bombarded with donations that people have been gathering since the Sapperton location closed.
“Everyone is very interested and eager,” Kirkwood said. “I am sure we are going to be very busy.”
The Royal Columbian Hospital Auxiliary raises money for RCH through the thrift store, as well as the lottery booth, the gift shop and a book cart at the hospital. Between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020, the group raised $165,000 for the hospital, with the thrift store contributing around 40%.
According to Kirkwood, the new location is about 850 square feet larger than its former location and is much brighter.The auxiliary is hoping the new location near the New Westminster Public Library, Royal City Centre and Sixth Avenue businesses will generate more foot traffic for the shop.
“We are counting on it,” she said. “Our rent is a lot more.”
The auxiliary welcomes donations and volunteers for the thrift store. Anyone interested in volunteering at the store can fill out an application at www.tinyurl.com/RCHVolunteer or call the store at 604-515-4815.
“Come and shop,” Kirkwood said. “We are happy to be in uptown New West.”
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