Thrift Store
Need an iron? A new work shirt? How about a really good book? You could get all three for under $5.00 and be helping a host of great programs right here on Salt Spring Island. The ever overflowing second hand store, run by a herd of energitic ladies in pink, and the newer blue aprons, boasts an incredible record of monetary gifts to places like Lady Minto Hospital and Extended Care, Greenwoods Eldercare and Braehaven Assisted Living Society.
However, you would be mistaken if you thought all they did was raise money. While that is a huge part of what they do, they also volunteer their time to assist with refreshments and special events at Greenwoods and Extended Care. They do floral care for hospital patients and residents of Extended Care. They have a Junior Volunteer program and they run the showcase of hand-made crafts and cosy knitted items for sale in the hospital lobby.
The Lady Minto Hospital Auxilary also generously provides for a Scholarship and Bursaries for Gulf Islands’ High School students. And don’t forget the numerous hours they put into sorting, pricing, cleaning, repairing, stocking and selling of thrift store goods. These women (and men) are amazing!
So let’s talk about those male volunteers. There aren’t very many of them and you won’t see them wearing pink, but they put their strong backs into moving heavier boxes and getting rid of the garbage. Garbage? Yes, garbage.
As odd as it sounds, some people donate GARBAGE. Mmm, that gives you something to think about. Some people give these sweet little old ladies their filth to pick through. Do superheroes wear pink? I think so.
