A Lower Mainland charity identified for its efforts preventing homelessness is hoping vacation consumers can assist energy a few of its applications.
The Union Gospel Mission (UGM) has revamped a retailer it operates in New Westminster as a ‘thrift boutique,’ stocking brand-name, new and used gadgets.
“Before we were buying and selling new — but with that shift we are able to serve our community better and align better with our values as a social enterprise which gives back to UGM’s programs,” UGM spokesperson Sarah Chew stated of the social enterprise.
“One-hundred per cent net proceeds go toward things we do that help people overcome homelessness, addictions, poverty.”
Funds, for instance, are used to supply scorching meals and assist join individuals with assets for housing, shelter, dental and medical care at UGM’s New Westminster Resource Centre, she stated.
The shift in enterprise mannequin has additionally made the enterprise extra accessible to the neighborhood, in accordance with Chew.
“We’ve had a lot of customers come in and be very excited about the change, we’ve had customers say, ‘I can finally buy something here,’” she stated.
“Because before we had quite an elevated experience, and that was something people responded well to — but again, lowering those barriers is always front of mind.”
Along with thrift gadgets, the store shares quite a lot of merchandise from native artisans like Nancy Wingham, cofounder of Nuez Acres.
Wingham makes and sells pores and skin, hair and physique merchandise in Langley from pecan oil sourced from her household’s farm in Mexico.
“It’s amazing because sometimes people don’t like to shop online so it is great to have a space where you can direct your consumers where they can go and pick up the product,” she stated.
“It’s all around an amazing store, so when you are shopping at Found you are supporting local artisans and also local community.”
The boutique is situated at 641 Columbia St. in New Westminster.
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B.C. charity hoping holiday shoppers can help power programs for the homeless
