The Salvation Army Thrift Store, located at 1-7030 Alberni Street, is closing its doors for good on August 9 after eight years in operation.
"We just couldn't do it anymore, with the jump in rent, rising costs and financial instability," said major Rosanne Fraser, who is Powell River Salvation Army’s church and community services director.
Final donations will be accepted until July 12. Leading up to the last day, the thrift store will be open; various closing-out sales will be held starting mid-July.
Fraser said the store provided affordable clothing and household items, but often operated as a lifeline for people who may have lost everything in a house fire, or were in need; there are also paid employees who will lose their jobs.
One employee told the Peak that they had worked at the store for two years, but another employee has been there since the store opened in 2017.
"We have a wide range of ages and folks coming into the store," said Fraser. "We have young moms, we have seniors, and at our family services office [4500 Joyce Avenue], if somebody came in to us saying they've had a fire, we would give them a voucher for the store."
Moving forward, the organization will focus its efforts on operating its social service programs, which will continue to serve the community at Powell River Salvation Army Church and Community Services on Joyce Avenue, explained Fraser.
"The decision to close the store did not come easily, and we are deeply saddened," she added. "We will continue to assist those in the community who need our help through our programs and services."
The Salvation Army will continue to offer emergency food hampers, grab-and-go food supports, used clothing, Send-a-Kid-to-Camp, spiritual care, emergency disaster services (EDS) support and mobile feeding within the community. Food and monetary donations will continue to be received at the Joyce Avenue location.
"We tried to keep our prices low to help those in our community who really needed it," said Fraser. "Every bit of money that we raised really goes into the community."
A media release from July 9 stated that the Salvation Army has helped individuals and families in the qathet region since 1956, serving with compassion and without discrimination, and providing hope for those in need. The Salvation Army runs several programs and services, including community meals, Christmas hampers, and children and youth programs.
"We would like to thank the community for years of dedicated patronage and encourage the public to continue to shop at other local thrift stores in Powell River," stated Fraser. "There will still be plenty of other ways to support the work of the Salvation Army through volunteer and donation opportunities."
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