It’s National Volunteer Week and we’re celebrating our VGH Thrift Store volunteers who do it all —including getting handcuffed! (More on that later.)

“So much love and hard work goes into our thrift store,” says James Ferrier, VGH Thrift Store manager. “All the volunteers are so generous with their time. I’m so thankful for all the good work they do, and I’m especially appreciative of the volunteers who stayed with us through the transition to our new location.”

Left to right: Volunteer Lucy; James Ferrier, store manager; and volunteers Jeannie and Jeffrey.

Ranging in age from 15 to 76, our VGH Thrift Store’s 66 volunteers come from all walks of life and are the backbone of the one and only thrift store benefitting our Vancouver Community of Care.

“Many of our amazing volunteers worked through the sweltering heat of last summer to help with the store’s relocation,” says Angela Kwan, part-time volunteer coordinator. About 65% of volunteers chose to continue after the store’s move, even though the new location means a much longer commute for some. “We are so thankful for their continuous commitment, and we’re so grateful for the energy and enthusiasm of our new volunteers.”

Meet volunteer Victoria

Victoria Larrain, originally from Chile, has been known to volunteer 10 shifts per week and is just one of the many volunteers who made the store’s relocation to Hasting’s Street East Village possible. Here, she explains why the store feels like home and a rather embarrassing story involving — you got it — handcuffs.

Q. How many years have you volunteered with the VGH Thrift Store?

A. Since May 2015 — 11 months.

Q. Why did you choose to volunteer with the VGH Thrift Store?

A. While waiting for my new work permit, I decided to find a volunteer experience because after a long while of doing different activities alone, I got to the point where I felt empty living only for myself and I wanted to do something for others too. It was then when I thought of the VGHTS. I had been there as a customer, and I really liked the environment, the people, the prices and the mission of the store. Also, in my country, the concept of a thrift store and volunteer work is not too common and I found it very attractive to try that experience here in Canada.

Q. What do you enjoy most about volunteering at the VGH Thrift Store?

A. It doesn’t matter if I’ve had a bad day, all that bad energy evaporates when I get to the store. To share my time with volunteers and with customers makes me feel “at home”. I like to see customers come looking for something and have the chance to help them with that. I really enjoy witnessing how the store has been transformed into a physical meeting place for the community (I mean the neighbourhood). I can see the joy on customers’ faces when they are with their neighbours; you can find people who meet there and in two seconds they start chatting, remembering and sharing stories in relation to objects, books, films, records that are available for sale. I could mentions many things, but I would like to say that I am really happy with the team. I see that James (manager) and Angela (volunteer coordinator), and also the volunteers give their best every day. I am learning a lot from others and having fun too.

 Q. What is your most memorable day at the VGH Thrift Store?

A. I think the most memorable day for me was when I was working with Natalia and we received a pair of handcuffs as a donation. We cleaned them and she showed me how they worked. Before placing for sale in the store I had the “brilliant idea” to handcuff myself. For a second, I thought that Natalia was joking when she told me that she couldn´t open it. We found ourselves quickly overcome by laughter. Of course, a little embarrassed, we asked for help from James who didn’t need that much explained to understand what was happening.  While “standing tall”, I was quickly walking with James and Natalia (“escort VGHTS”) to the Community Policing Centre to ask for help. Each bag of donations is a “surprise box” and your day can rotate 360 ​​° in a moment!

 Q. What would you like people to know about the VGH Thrift Store?

A. First, I would like to invite everybody to visit the store, because as a costumer and/or volunteer they will have a good experience. I can say that I see everyone’s efforts to improve every day in quality, presentation and product prices. Nothing is coincidence; I see that James and Angela have worked hard to have consistent practices with good results. Finally, I think it’s very important that people know that their donations and all the work behind the store has concrete results. Once, I had the opportunity to receive a donation from a lady who told me that she was hospitalized for a long time, she said that she lived far from our shop, but she did not mind making the effort to bring donations because she was very grateful for everything that she received from the hospital. After hearing this, I knew I was in the right place and I was more motivated to participate as a volunteer. When the engine is moved by the generosity, donation and love from the people, it is impossible to not get good results.

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Visit the VGH Thrift Store at 2535 E. Hastings Street in Vancouver.