SOS CHILDREN'S VILLAGE THRIFT STORE FOUNDATION

On October 29, 2022, the SOS Children’s Village Thrift Store Foundation celebrated its 30th anniversary in Steveston village. Community members modelled clothing from the store, local band The Lindas performed, and a 50 per cent off sale raised funds for SOS Children’s Village to support children in foster care and youth aging out of the care system in B.C.

In 1992, SOS Children’s Village BC founders Lois and Gilles Bouchard opened the Steveston thrift store; it was initially known as Treasure Cottage Thrift Shop and was located in what is now home to Village Bikes on Moncton Street. In 1997, the Steveston store moved to its current site and expanded in 2012. A second storefront opened in Kerrisdale in 2006; it permanently closed in 2020. The thrift stores built a reputation as community hubs where one could find great deals with profits supporting their charitable headquarters, SOS Children’s Village BC, in Surrey.

The heart of the non-profit thrift store relies heavily on donations and volunteers who devote time to help run the shop.

In May 2019, Yasmin Tang worked briefly at the Kerrisdale store and then shifted to Steveston as assistant manager. When long-time manager Barb High retired, Yasmin took over as store manager.

She had an ambitious plan to transform the shop, which was interrupted by the COVID-19 lockdown. On a positive note, Yasmin says, “The bad turned out to be good. I used this golden closed-door opportunity to revamp the store with my daughters and husband. We created a new layout and a nice visual presentation.”

She says, “When the store reopened in July 2020, it gave a ‘wow’ feeling when customers stepped back inside.”

They created a boutique in the middle aisle with red tags to identify higher-end clothing. A shoe wall was built, and a men’s section was installed. An antique corner was designated, and a jewellery display table was set up for luxury items, with all valuables safely locked up.

“We sell basics for everyday needs for a few dollars an item. However, we also carry collector items for hundreds of dollars, like Rolex and Gucci.”

The store shifted direction and recruited volunteer experts who researched online the value of donations, including watches, jewellery, paintings, antiques, and art pieces. Prices were adjusted to reflect actual worth, which in turn helps raise more money for SOS Children’s Village. There have been many positive comments from shoppers who have noticed the changes, although Yasmin admits there were a few complaints about price increases. She explains that the thrift shop’s mission is to fundraise as much as it can to support foster children in danger and who need care.

The store could not operate without its loyal staff and team of approximately 60 volunteers.

Assistant manager Susan Mckenzie has been with the store for one year. “With her assistance, we are building a solid team with senior volunteers and young high school students. It's a great combination of three generations. It’s an SOS family!” says Yasmin.

Yasmin remarks, “The staff and volunteers risked their safety during the pandemic to work at the store and process generous donations to assist B.C. foster children in need. Our long-range goal is to open more Villages and thrift stores in B.C.”

Yasmin indicates she and the volunteers have many good tales to tell. One of the most heartwarming stories is when they found $1,200 cash inside a box. They traced the donor, who confirmed she had accidentally included the money. In appreciation, the woman conducted a fundraising campaign in her new seniors’ residence to thank SOS Children’s Village for returning her money.

The rewards of working at SOS Children’s Village Thrift Store are plentiful. Yasmin says, "Customers love our window displays and say they are a must-see. Although we have never won a prize in local competitions, our customers’ comments are rewarding. Our sales have doubled, our volunteers love working here, and the neighbouring restaurant gives us a free meal every Thursday to recognize our hard work, especially for our volunteers who work outdoors, rain or shine, accepting donations.”

“I live in Mount Pleasant in Vancouver, but I connected quickly to Steveston’s businesses and have gotten great support from them. I love this community. It was funny, in 2020, Mount Pleasant and Steveston were finalists in CBC’s Best Neighbourhood contest; I asked everyone to vote for Steveston, and Steveston won!” says Yasmin.

SOS Children’s Village BC thanks the hard work of the community, staff, and volunteers in creating a full circle of sustainable community methods through upcycling and environmental activities, through giving, and in the end, through the care they can afford to provide to children through their Village model.

This holiday season, pay a visit to SOS Children’s Village Thrift Store; you may find a hidden treasure which could make a memorable and one-of-a-kind gift.

SOS Children's Village Thrift Store

3800 Moncton Street

Richmond, BC V7E 3A7

Phone 604-274-8866 www.sosthriftstorefoundation.org/ thrift-stores/steveston

Story by Sarah Gordon (Nov 2022)