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The Salvation Army’s Community Support Centre Opens

On May 31, the opening of The Salvation Army Community Support Centre opened to a three day ‘mega sale’ that took place over the weekend.
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The Salvation Army Thrift Store was packed full of donated clothing and other miscellaneous items during the grand opening on May 31. (Photo/Colin Macgillivray)

On May 31, the opening of The Salvation Army Community Support Centre opened to a three day ‘mega sale’ that took place over the weekend.

Captain Neil Wilkinson, Corps Officer / Pastor for The Salvation Army, believes that the opening of the newly renovated thrift store will provide The Salvation Army with the necessary tools it needs to tackle some of the concerns in the community.

“We are grateful to serve where we are needed,” says Wilkinson. “The Salvation Army is dedicated to providing compassionate care and addressing the unique needs of each community we are part of.”

The Thrift Store, which is located at the east end of the mall across the parking lot from Co-op Building Supplies, launched with a wide range of varied items and the goal of showcasing the many services and goods The Salvation Army will be providing to positively impact the residents of the community, according to the organization.

They are still accepting accepting further donations of gently used toys, gardening equipment, housewares, furniture, appliances and clothing for the store.

The Omineca Express previously reported on the upcoming launch of Salvation Army Community Support Centre and Wilkinson explained that the funds derived from the sale of the material will all stay within Vanderhoof and have a direct impact on individuals, families and children in need in the community.

The recyclable nature of the Thrift Store model is also something that Wilkinson is extremely proud of.

“A big part of what we are doing has to do with recycling,” says Wilkinson. “We have an electronic stewardship program in which we recycle any non-working electronics. We also take metal and textiles which, if they aren’t suitable for resale and we sell those textiles to one of 12 businesses that deal with converting those textiles to cellulose insulation.”

“Last year, in Prince George, we recycled 1.49 million pounds of textiles.”

Beyond the recycling initiatives and the day to day operation of the newly opened Thrift Store, the Salvation Army will also to engage in a number of initiatives within the community, including attending to housing issues, addictions recovery initiatives, spiritual care ministries and collaborating with other support services to provide leadership and communications expertise to those agencies.

Additionally, they will also provide visitation to those who are in hospital over the Christmas season and visitations to senior’s homes, as well.

The mission of The Salvation Army Vanderhoof is, “To serve God by serving humanity and working together,” says Wilkinson.

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The organization’s mandate is to gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world.

With their newest addition, there are now 68 Salvation Army Thrift Stores operating in B.C.