The Community
Press
22 20 ING R
ON
SP SECTI !
Volume 114, Issue 43
E D 2N INSID
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
$1 Including GST
Twice Twice Nice Nice gives gives back back to to community community
Twice Nice Store volunteers and representatives from various churches and other community groups were all smiles on Wednesday, April 27, as the society presented grants from profits generated by the store. Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The Twice Nice Store Society called volunteers and community members to attend a special presentation on Wednesday, April 27. It was an opportunity for the Society to use funds raised through store operations throughout the year to support community groups and area churches. President Fran Coates praised the Society’s solid core of volunteers, saying that they each brought their unique talents and hard work to contribute to the store’s success. With prices ranging from two for 10 cents to a whopping $25, it’s rare for any one item’s cost to exceed $5, yet over the store’s existence it has consistently been able to support other community groups from its profits. Coates says the store’s popularity seems to grow and grow, with visitors coming from out of the region to take it in. They’ve recently tried opening Saturdays, as well, and recently logged one of their biggest sales day ever. “People appreciate our clean, bright store; we receive a lot of compliments,” she says. Coates can’t express enough how much volunteers, and the community, contribute to the success of the store. There’s much to do as a store volun-
teer, from going through donations to arranging store displays, to actual sales. Coates says there are even volunteer groups who come in outside the store’s regular hours and volunteer their time and skills. As with any retail store, the Twice Nice is not without issues. Over the past few years a surveillance system was installed, and the group has an ongoing issue with individuals stealing donations out of the bins before they even make it into the store. Even at their prices, they’ve also dealt with individuals who ‘lift’ things off the shelves. “Imagine stealing from a charity,” volunteers say. To try and keep losses to a minimum, volunteers ask that donations be dropped in the bins during business hours Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. To combat losses, they also try to empty the bins more often. Another issue that Twice Nice, and all second-hand stores in the region share, is sometimes what is being donated. “We can’t accept old furniture or electronics. Donated clothes should be gently used, clean, and in good repair.” They are unable to resell items that are ripped, torn, stained, or generally unclean. A general rule of thumb is that if you wouldn’t give something to someone who knows you, don’t give it to a charity either. The positives far outweigh any negatives, the group says, and the store
hums with activity on the days its open. The group has big ideas for 2022, including surprise spot sales on different days, and now has the option of purchasing gift certificates. During Wednesday’s presentation, the Twice Nice Society donated funds to Killam Knox United Church, Killam Baptist Church, Killam Pentecostal Church, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church,
and the Sedgewick Seventh Day Adventist Church. Other groups receiving funding this year included the Killam and District Health Care Foundation, Hardisty Lake Camp, Flagstaff Food Bank, the Flagstaff Foundation (FFCS/FIRST), the Killam and District Municipal Library, Flagstaff Kids Connection Daycare, and the Killam Fire Department.
May 2 to 8 is Mental Health Week in Canada Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The first week of May is celebrated as Mental Health Week in Canada. This year’s theme is “Empathy.” The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Alberta recently released results from a poll that said only 14 per cent of Albertans are currently feeling empathetic, down substantially from just two years ago. “Just as Albertans are experiencing pandemic fatigue after two long years, research suggest that Albertans may also be experiencing empathy fatigue,” says the CMHA. Empathy is described as the ability to understand another’s perspective and feelings. To combat that decline, they’ve put to-
gether a tool kit designed to help people reconnect at a time when we’ve experienced a couple of very hard years. It can be found at mentalhealthweek.ca. “When someone is struggling, they don’t always need someone to swoop in and fix things for them. First, they need someone to understand where they are coming from,” says CMHA. AHS offers resources for those struggling with mental health issues, through the Mental Health Help Line, at 1-887-303-2642. AHS says, “The ability to bounce back after stressful situations can be strengthened when support is given and received.” If you or someone you know needs help, reach out today.