It was an emotional day for customers and the volunteer staff at the Dollar Bin Friday.
“My very first customer this morning walked in the door and gave me a hug and started crying,” said Bobbe MacKenzie, wiping her own tears from her face.
The emotion followed the Upper Room Mission’s announcement to close the Dollar Bin Thrift Store, effective Jan. 21, 2017.
MacKenzie opened the downtown thrift shop in 2012 aimed as a service to allow Vernon’s most impoverished citizens a truly affordable place to shop – most items are priced at $1 or less, plus there are the frequent $1 bag sales.
“It’s a drop-in centre for a lot of our seniors and people on low income,” said MacKenzie, noting one lady who has to clothe 13 people. “She can afford to do it here.”
Although the doors are closing, Vernon’s most impoverished citizens are not being forgotten.
Starting in February, the Mission will offer a similar type of service at their main building, located at 3403-27th Avenue.
Lisa Anderson, URM director of resource development, says the move will make it easier for clients to access clothing needs.
“People come to the Mission first asking for a clothing voucher,” said Anderson, explaining that staff write up vouchers and then send clients down the road to the Dollar Bin.
“So now, because they’re here anyway, they can get what they need here,” said Anderson of the service which will be offered in the basement of the Mission.
The decision to close the Dollar Bin was not financial, as the store was paying its own way and is run strictly by volunteers such as MacKenzie.
“That’s what the dollar bin has been about, is people,” said MacKenzie, as it was not a money-making venture.
“It’s been a real team effort, we’ve made a lot of friends.”
Meanwhile the URM’s Boutique Thrift Store (neighbouring the Mission) will continue to operate and accept donated goods.
