A local thrift store could soon be named Alberta’s favourite.
Crossway Community Thrift, a non-profit organization based out of Canmore, launched their contest to discover Alberta’s favourite community thrift store, which is open for nominations until Nov. 30.
“We created this contest for three reasons: to celebrate the great work these thrift stores do across the province by giving back to their communities, to form a bond with other community thrift stores, and to bring more awareness of the importance of thrift stores,” explained Robyn Betts, a representative for Crossway Community Thrift.
Last year, 18 thrift stores in Alberta participated and over 4,000 people cast their votes.
Any community store that isn’t exclusively for-profit, or part of a nation-wide chain, can be nominated on the contest’s website.
“We want all community thrift stores across the province to nominate themselves, or be nominated by their shoppers,” Betts said.
The contest highlights the important work thrift stores do for communities, while allowing clientele to put their favourite store in the spotlight.
“Thrift stores are a social hub where community members meet while dropping off donations or shopping for used treasures. Thrift stores are a green alternative to shopping in big box stores and are an integral part of the recycling process,” Betts detailed.
One of these hubs in the Lakeland is the Bonnyville Bargain Boutique, a second-hand store run by the Dove Centre. Organization CEO Robert Goulet believes the store is viewed as an important place in the community.
“Anybody going through challenges in their life can get good quality things at a discounted price and they don’t have to feel bad about going in there. They’re made to feel just as important as Le Chateau,” he noted.
Goulet hopes that people will vote for the Bargain Boutique now that they’ve been nominated, and thinks the contest is a great chance to let people know about local thrift stores.
“Most of these places are out to help people. To get some recognition and put them in the spotlight will not only help them feel good about what they’re doing, but also make people aware that there’s places like that that can help them out if they need it,” he said.
Another store that could be nominated for the contest is Thriftology, which is run by Assumption Jr./Sr. High School. It gives students the chance to gain work experience, complete their volunteer hours, and give back to their community
“All of our profits go back toward the school,” explained employee Ashley Jahnke. “It also allows the community to come in and donate rather than discard. It allows us to recycle, and anyone can come in, help, and meet people.”
Offering the community a place to come together to work is important for the second-hand store.
“It’s kind of a community gathering, everyone comes in knowing who works here and knowing the volunteers,” Jahnke expressed, adding thrift stores offer people the chance to get affordable clothing.
These stores, along with many others in the area, can be nominated for Alberta’s Favourite Community Thrift Store from now until the end of November. Anyone can suggest a store they think should be awarded.
The top three thrift stores will receive a certificate to display, along with badges to share with their followers on social media.
To nominate or vote for your favourite thrift store, visit https://1.shortstack.com/HjNq3n.
