Habitat for Humanity does a terrific local business from its ReStore facility on Orono Avenue in Langford, with an estimated 85 per cent of its customers coming from the West Shore.
The people who donate used building materials to the non-profit charity? Different story, according to associate manager Mike Fimrite, who is overseeing setup of the organization’s new ReStore branch in Saanich.
A large portion of the donations to ReStore come from Saanich, Oak Bay and Victoria residents, he said.
“Those same people who donate weren’t making the trip to shop at our (Langford) store,” Fimrite said.
Known as ReStore Victoria, the new store will offer the same merchandise and prices as the Langford branch. The new store is accepting donations Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is expected to open in early August, when it will be open seven days a week.
ReStore Victoria, at 3311H Oak St. near Uptown, boasts about 8,200 square feet, roughly two-thirds of the 12,000 sq. ft. of the Langford store.
The stores sell new and gently used building supplies and household goods, appliances, hardware and materials. All proceeds support Habitat for Humanity’s mission of providing housing for low-income families.
The latest project is underway at 4000 Cedar Hill X Rd., facing McKenzie Road, on land previously owned by the District of Saanich. The four-unit project is due to be completed later this year.
The Langford ReStore is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the charity, visit habitatvictoria.com or drop by ReStore at 849 Orono Ave.
editor@goldstreamgazette.com
