Online thrift from Kildonan MCC

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/12/2022 (1004 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Suppose that an online order for a kettle or a jacket could help to build schools or supply clean water to communities halfway across the world. At the beginning of December, the Kildonan MCC Thrift Shop at 445 Chalmers Ave. celebrated the second anniversary of its online shop, giving people additional options for finding the clothes, puzzles, books, or toys that they want.

Spending large amounts of money is common at this time of the year, but some people prefer to buy used goods, whether through a concern for the environment or a lack of funds. Through the Love to Thrift website (https://shop.lovetothrift.ca/), customers can find good deals without leaving home at a place “created with love for everyone who is passionate about finding unique and one-of-a-kind pieces.”

Finding something special is one of the benefits of shopping at a thrift store, as the items are not normally available at other stores, especially at low prices. This year, the Cozy Sweaters, Christmas Dinner and Christmas Party collections were among the online specials.

With COVID-19 still lingering on and the cold weather potentially preventing people from going out to shop, an online option is very useful. That way, customers can continue to find good deals on their purchases while still helping to support the community and the store’s affiliate organization, the Mennonite Central Committee Canada, a relief and development organization with projects around the world.

As the Kildonan MCC Thrift Shop’s website notes, the store originally opened in 1972 on Jamison Avenue before moving to a larger location on Washington Avenue and then Chalmers. The store “serves the local community of the Kildonans and Elmwood by providing access to a large variety of affordable and quality items” including almost anything a shopper might want.

Shopping at a thrift shop is not like going to a regular store; the shop is unlikely to have the same item of clothing in several sizes nor will it be able to order an item that has been sold. Online shoppers should remember that an item may be gone before they pay for what they want. Flexibility and a willingness to take a second choice are important for online shoppers. Curbside pickup is available.

Many people might still prefer to shop in person at the Kildonan MCC Thrift Shop. For others, however, the second anniversary of the shop’s online shopping option is something to celebrate during the holidays and beyond.