Spring 2014
After occupying the current Thrift Shop building for many years the land and building were donated to the Dr Helmcken Memorial Hospital Auxiliary by the Lions Club. Recent improvements to the building include new flooring at the till area and, in 2012, new roofing was applied. The roof was made possible by a generous grant from the Wells Gray Community Forest Society. In 2013 a new sorting area was approved. With volunteers doing most of the work on the project a ribbon cutting took place in March, 2014. March 12, 2014 was the first day the ladies got to work in the new area.Some of the comments expressed:Nice and bright, fresh and roomy. The new sorting table, made by Ray, was in place. Shelves were being installed (by volunteers) as auxiliary members sorted.
A bit of Thrift Shop History. The following article was printed in the Times Newspaper February 13, 1985 and was submitted by Ruby Pease.
Every Wednesday a little shop in Vavenby opens its doors for a couple of hours. It is the “Thrift Shop” and was first opened in October 1971, for the purpose of selling used clothing and other donated items.The building was given by Clearwater Timber Products to the group of ladies who started this enterprising business. Several members of the Vandenborre family hauled the building to its present location and set it up.A counter was constructed and a number of shelves were built in order to display some of the merchandise. Mrs Jocelyn Odermatt built the book shelves.
Many women in the community have given their time during the years, sorting, pricing, sometimes washing and mending various garments. Mrs A. DeVooght has been cashier for many years, while other ladies assist the customers in selecting their purchases. Ever since the Thrift Shop opened, Mrs Alma Hunsbedt has started the fire in the morning, on the days that heat is required. She also brings coffee in to the workers. (note: the shop was located on Alma’s property) Among the many other ladies who have worked faithfully for the Thrift Shop since its beginning are Mrs Dorothy Schulte, Mrs Francis Shook, Mrs Ila Wood, Mrs Lois Hoirup, Mrs Daisy Klick, Mrs Rita Sallenback, Mrs Doris Scaarf, Mrs June Vandenborre, Mrs Carol Downey, Mrs Myrna Schultz and many others. Credit goes to Mrs Myrna Schultz for re-arranging the racks and shelves to better utilize the space and display the merchandise to the best advantage. Most of the stores in the area have donated clothes and other saleable items. Donations of wood have been received from Mr and Mrs Elmer Mebs and from Frank Steck. At the present time there is further need for some dry wood. Many citizens of Vavenby have helped in various ways. Dave Pease quite often ploughs the driveway. Terry Turner has ploughed out the driveway and other machine operators have also done some ploughing.
Besides the clothing that is for sale, there is a bin of fabrics that are suitable for quilts. The fabrics from this bin sell for $1.00 for a grocery bag full.
The proceeds from the Thrift Shop are given to the Ladies auxiliary to Dr Helmcken Memorial Hospital and have been used to purchase various types of equipment. One very useful item is a defibulator machine.