It’s an exciting time at the 2nd Chance Thrift Store in Parksville’s Heritage Plaza as they celebrate two big events over the next month.
Like many stores in the region, one can feel the coming of Christmas in the store, with decorations and gift ideas galore. But first up for 2nd Chance is the celebration of its first year in business on Dec. 1.
The store is owned by the not-for-profit Vancouver Island Workability Society, the same group that operates the Pie Factory in Parksville and the Tree Farm in Nanoose Bay. The society employs people with mental health or brain injury diagnoses, helping them find just how much of a work week they find appropriate.
“They learn some things about themselves, about how they work,” said the society’s executive director Marjorie Driscoll.
Virginia Gibberd is the Workabilty board member who has been most involved with the thrift store. Like other businesses, a one-year anniversary is a big deal and she said she’s grateful.
“It’s going great — the community support has been fabulous,” said Gibberd. “We have strong volunteers, but never enough.”
On this day, the store is busy with people checking out the selection of items, many of which gathered through estate sales, or at least the stuff that was left unsold at the end of estate sales.
“It’s a wide range of items, a lot of household items,” said Gibberd. “Everything from a shovel to fine china to a mop to fishing gear.”
“And some of the product is very high end.”
The store is planning discounts and treats for its anniversary Dec. 1.
2nd Chance Thrift Store is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It will have extended hours as we get closer to Christmas. For more information, including how to donate items, call 250-586-5544.
