The shop, which relocated from 930 Nairn Ave. to 919 McLeod Ave. last fall, is a non-profit venture that runs thanks to the hard work of volunteers. <\/div>\n
“It’s been a crazy, fabulous year,” said Candy Anaka-Paré, a volunteer and board member of Prairie Crocus. “The community has been so supportive.”<\/div>\n
According to Anaka-Paré, business at the new locattion was going well and picking up steam early in 2020.<\/div>\n
“Then COVID hit,” she said. <\/div>\n
The shop, like most places, closed down. <\/div>\n
“We were worried,” Anaka-Paré admitted. “But since we opened again, we’ve been gangbusters. We’ve been able to raise so much more for our programs. It’s fantastic.”<\/div>\n
Since its inception in 2016, Prairie Crocus has raised through sales for two charitable organizations: Finding Freedom, a group which “aids those suffering from addiction, trauma and spiritual brokenness,” and Dignity House, a ministry supporting women who are exiting the sex trade. <\/div>\n
Recently, Prairie Crocus has shifted its support from Dignity House to Riverwood House, a supportive housing development in Elmwood which, once construction is complete, will provide residents who are battling addiction with an ongoing “sober, supportive environment” to complete their recovery.<\/div>\n
“We’re so excited to be working with them,” Anaka-Paré said.<\/div>\n
While Prairie Crocus has benefitted from strong community support in terms of sales and the amount of donations they receive, Anaka-Paré said they can always use more volunteers.<\/div>\n
“We try to bring volunteers in, show them around, and find where their gifts or interests lie,” Anaka-Paré explained. “We do an assessment that way, and pop them into that area.”<\/div>\n
Anyone looking to volunteer a minimum of four hours per week should contact the shop for more information.<\/div>\n
On Sat., Oct. 3, the shop will be hosting a celebration, of sorts, marking the first anniversary since moving shop from East Elmwood to North Kildonan.<\/div>\n
“We’ve had to limit what we have planned because of COVID,” Anaka-Paré said, noting that everything in the store will be 25 per cent off.<\/div>\n
Willy Dogs will also be on hand, selling hotdogs.<\/div>\n
For more information, visit prairiecrocusthriftshop.ca<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
Despite a global pandemic, Prairie Crocus Thrift Shop has had a successful first year at their new location.<\/p>\n
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