Prairie Crocus Thrift Shop to support addiction centre

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This article was published 15/06/2020 (1956 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A recovery housing centre planned for Elmwood received a big financial boost thanks to a new partnership with the Prairie Crocus Thrift Shop.

The store will provide a portion of its annual profits to Riverwood House, a complex being organized by Riverwood Church Community. The centre is to be built on the northeast corner of

Talbot Avenue and Stadacona Street, adjacent to Riverwood Church Community’s offices.
The partnership is an extension of an existing relationship, Riverwood Church Community pastor Jon Courtney said.

“We love them because for many years in operation they have been supporting Finding Freedom and React (two Riverwood-based recovery programs),” Courtney said. “All of the work they do here supports people who are in recovery from addictions.

“This is going to have a huge impact for us as we move towards building and operating a 40-unit recovery housing complex.”

Courtney said he hopes to see Riverwood House receive $30,000 in the first year from Prairie Crocus.

The thrift shop recently moved from its original home on Nairn Avenue to its current location at 919 McLeod Ave.

Prairie Crocus board member Candace Anaka-Pare said its operation has come a long way since the early days.

“When we started on Nairn we didn’t have any idea of what God’s plan was for the store,”

Anaka-Pare said. “All of our hearts are tied to Finding Freedom and we are super excited about the connection with Riverwood House.”

Anaka-Pare said thrifting is trendy right now as people enjoy the challenge of uncovering unique looks and objects. Many of those shoppers frequently visit Prairie Crocus, as do people who need to shop there because of limited finances.

Whatever their reason for coming, Anaka-Pare said, people will enjoy a boutique-like atmosphere with music and friendly staff. They can even sing karaoke for a discount off their purchase.

If they’re lucky they will also get to meet Maggie the therapy dog.

“We brought her in because we didn’t want to leave her at home for long hours and she’s become an integral part of what we do here,” Anaka-Pare said.

Manager Janice Howard said what separates Prairie Crocus from other thrift stores is a family atmosphere embraced by staff, volunteers and customers alike.

“Especially when you’re having mental health or addiction issues you can come here and know it’s a safe place to be,” Howard said.

“It’s a safe place for our shoppers, it’s a safe place for our staff, and it has a homey feeling.

“It’s more than just a thrift store — that’s for sure.”