Old is the new hip

Transcona

Growing up, our family didn’t have much. We had the basics – a roof over our heads, inexpensive but healthy food, and hand-sewn or hand-me-down clothing.

Our mom made it work and managed to bring four children into adulthood on her own. The thought of wearing second-hand clothes or using used school supplies was horrendous as a teenager, and trying to hide it wasn’t an easy task. Ridicule would follow, then embarrassment.

I am so glad the scene has changed and people are actually embracing the world of recycling their used items, such as clothes, shoes, furniture, dishes, books – pretty much everything. People no longer need be embarrassed to be seen shopping or purchasing low-cost items at any of the multiple locations.

People of all ages have fun seeking out and searching the various second-hand stores located all over the world. Young people see it as an opportunity to spend the day with friends; thrifting together and coming home with some nice finds. There are many such stores in Winnipeg, operated by various non-profit groups. A quick web search will turn up Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) stores across the city, including shops solely dedicated to furniture and household goods. Then there’s Mission Thrift Store, Salvation Army Thrift Store, Canadian Goodwill Industries, Value Village, The Overflow, the Nearly New Shop, Helping Hand and Annie’s Attic to name just a few. One could make a full day of checking them all out, as there are so many treasures to see. It’s like ‘garage sale extraordinaire’.

Most are well organized by category, and the stores are run by volunteers or paid employees. Each mission statement is different but the general consensus is that the proceeds raised by sales of donated items help people in need who reside in the immediate community or, in some cases, other countries. Assistance is offered from the in the form of vouchers, food banks, shelter, local improvements, etc. Some of the organizations running these stores are faith-based, some are not. Canadian Goodwill Industries was founded in Winnipeg in 1931 and strives to provide employment and other services to those who face obstacles in the labour market, and they offer an inclusive work environment. The Salvation Army Canada has been active in Canada for more than 100 years. In addition to food donations, it offers shelter, disaster relief and crisis support.

There are several stores that specialize in higher-end used clothing, which can be sold on consignment or will be bought by the storeowners for cash. There seem to be more storefronts popping up every day, providing a great opportunity to keep those treasures we once loved out of landfills and transferring them into the homes of others who will love them just as you did.

If you’ve never been, now is the time. It is spring-cleaning season, after all.