SOS Children’s Village BC operates two charming thrift stores in our Lower Mainland community in Steveston Village, Richmond and Kerrisdale, Vancouver. So, we would like to share some thrift store updates. When COVID first hit, we had to shut our doors in order to keep everyone safe. Since the introduction of Phase 3, we are pleased to have reopened and re-engaged our community.

SOS BC is not your corporate gift store! Giving to SOS BC through donations of housewares and clothes in good condition helps us ensure that foster youth and children in the Surrey community continue to develop and lead sustainable lives.

This is not the only way, however, that our thrift stores are able to reach children and youth in need. Our stores provide free items for youth transitioning from care into their independent lives. Our youth know they can reach out to our youth workers anytime they need anything for their home environment. This ends up saving our young adults a great deal of money. Knowing that they also have a place they can feel safe and ask for these things has really been quite rewarding for our organization and our thrift store social enterprise.

Next year, we would like to formalize internship and work experience opportunities for youth aging out of care. This will help them prepare for the job market. With COVID sticking around for some time, a new sense of training and orientation is needed for our youth. Our thrift store environment provides a nurturing and supportive setting where youth can learn the ins and outs of the working world.

By Kistie Singh, Executive Director
Edited by William Brennan