A local non-profit thrift store in Chatham is celebrating a new fundraising benchmark.
A recent $3,000 donation to the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre marked more than $90,000 being donated by the newLIFE Thrift Store to local charities.
“We are thrilled and grateful to give back to the community which has so generously supported us,” said newLIFE chairperson George Flikweert in a media release.
According to Flikweert, the store has donated to 21 charities across the region since opening in June 2020. He said each month a donation is made to a local registered charity based on that particular month’s sales.
“This is a practice was started on day one and will continue into the future,” he said.
The recipients have included Chatham-Kent Hospice, Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent, Hope Haven, Indwell, Westover Treatment Centre in Thamesville, the Alzheimer’s Society of Chatham-Kent and Chatham Outreach for Hunger.
The store located at 220 Queen Street in Chatham, is operated and "totally dependent on a wonderful team of volunteers," according to Flikweert. In addition to providing second-hand items, he said many items have been saved from going into landfills.
“As a Christian organization, we strive to be good stewards of our resources and land along being kind, compassionate and fair to all those that come into our store,” he said.
The store also raises funds for the Chatham Christian School, which does not receive any government funding.
Chatham-Kent residents can make donations during store hours, which are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Donations can be dropped off at back of the store or be picked up by calling 519-354-5033