“VGH Thrift Store gave me the opportunity”
It’s National Volunteer Week and we’re celebrating our VGH Thrift Store volunteers.
“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, including our hard-working Saturday crew who cover the week’s busiest shift for sales and donation drop-offs.”
Recently, the Saturday crew welcomed a new member. At just 12 years old, Lachlan was the store’s youngest ever volunteer.
“This year I’m going to be confirmed at my church and the priest asked that I complete some volunteer community service as part of my preparation,” he says. “The VGH Thrift Store gave me the opportunity I was looking for.”
Volunteer Stanley, 17 years old, trains Lachlan, the store’s youngest ever volunteer at just 12 years old.
Lachlan buddied up with Stanley, a 17-year-old volunteer and “pretty cool guy” according to his junior.
“I’ve always found thrift stores fascinating to look through and thought volunteering at one would be a good experience to have,” says Stanley. “The fact that this one is tied to VGH appeals to me because I’m trying to get into a nursing program.”
“One day while Stanley trained Lachlan and another volunteer, Fateh-Karan, at the cash desk, I had three customers compliment us ‘on those kids at the front’! says James. “At least one woman told them that she was proud of them — we all were.”
Meet more of the Saturday crew
Our VGH Thrift Store’s volunteers come from all walks of life, share a passion for potlucks and are the backbone of the one and only thrift store benefitting the Vancouver Community of Care. We asked members of the Saturday crew to share some of their thoughts. Here’s what they said:
VGH Thrift Store volunteers say they value the friendships they’ve formed. And the potlucks are popular too!
What do you enjoy most about volunteering at the VGH Thrift Store?
Joanna: I really enjoy spending time with my fellow volunteers. You get to meet some very cool people.
Deborah: I enjoy the sense of community with the other volunteers, our regular customers and James and Angela (volunteer coordinator).
Fateh-Karan: Learning valuable skills I can use in the future, and the friendly staff and volunteers.
What is your most memorable day at the VGH Thrift Store?
Tasneem: The day we officially opened the new store; it was nice to see all our hard work come together.
Patricia: My first potluck.
Mia: Every day!
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VGH Thrift Store gives the gift of joy
Visit the VGH Thrift Store at 2535 E. Hastings Street in Vancouver. Like us on Facebook.