Submitted Media Release
It’s a celebration and a blessing of our new Thrift Store.
His Excellency, Bishop Douglas Crosby O.M.I. from the Diocese of Hamilton helped celebrate the opening of the new Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Brant Thrift Store in Brantford with his personal blessing ceremony on Saturday May 11, 2019. In addition to his blessing of the new Thrift Store Bishop Crosby recognized the work of the Brant volunteer Vincentians in helping our neighbours in need. In his address the Bishop stated, “This impressive new Thrift Store is a testament to the ongoing work of local Vincentian volunteers. These are good people living the message of the gospel to serve Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy.”
Submitted Photo
The move to the new Thrift Store at 143 Wellington Street at Clarence has been at least three years in the making since the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul decided to sell their store at 197 Colborne Street and purchase the former Crosby Cable YMCA building.
Volunteers conducted tours for the Bishop and his deanery, dignitaries, donors and honoured invited guests. An inspiring Wall of Recognition acknowledging financial and in-kind donors was unveiled to those in attendance. Some of the donors recognized include SC Johnson and Son Ltd., Brantford Engineering and Construction Ltd., Empire Homes Ltd., The City of Brantford, Millards Chartered Professional Accountants and Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP. A special plaque was also unveiled to acknowledge dedicated Vincentians who have unselfishly given of their time over the years. The Catholic Women’s League of St. Pius Church catered a private reception then the new store opened to the public for shopping from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
The new Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store offers free parking for over 70 vehicles. The entire facility is on one floor making it accessible for all. It has twice the retail space, twice the loading space, twice the sorting area, a volunteer staff lunchroom, a private consultation room for neighbours in need and a large boardroom and reception area including a drive up door to accept donations. In addition, the sparkling new retail space offers clothing in one large area for women, men, and children, furniture and household items. The larger space, large aisles, new shopping carts, bigger private change rooms and more choice makes for a pleasant shopping experience. What also makes the Brantford Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store unique is that all of the people who work in the store are volunteers, including supervisory staff.
Vincentians were grateful to Bishop Crosby for his blessing ceremony and look forward to seeing many new and previous shoppers at their new Thrift Store. Contact: Mrs. Pat Lenz, President Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Brant at ssvpbrant@gmail.com
