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Thrift store closed for renovations

By Hannah Scott (Local Journalism Initiative reporter) and Lorraine Graves

Published 11:15 PST, Tue February 25, 2020

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

A Steveston landmark will be closed for up to three months.

The Richmond Hospital/Healthcare Auxiliary Thrift Shop, on the corner of Chatham Street and Second Avenue, will have a firmer foundation after necessary renovations are completed.

“The building had wooden pillars and they rotted,” explains auxiliary president Ursula van Duin. 

She says the floor was so uneven that some areas were 20 to 30 centimetres (eight to 12 inches) higher than others. 

“We had people that didn’t come in any more with walkers or wheelchairs because of the slant,” she says.

Despite many naysayers, project architect James Burton confirmed van Duin’s belief that the work was needed.

The cost of the levelling is about $400,000, which is being partially covered by a $150,000 grant from Richmond city council. The auxiliary hopes to be able to complete additional repairs to the building, such as upgrading the electrical and heating systems, but lacks the funds to do so.

Built in the late 19th century as a Methodist Church, it became Steveston United when the United Church of Canada was formed by the union of several denominations.

The building has seen different uses over the years, including as a bike shop. Today, the thrift shop housed there earns over half a million dollars per year. Money raised goes directly back to health care services at Richmond Hospital and publicly-funded, not-for-profit community nursing homes.

With a team of 116 volunteers, the thrift store is dedicated to serving its community. The auxiliary also has several smaller shops: a gift shop and lottery booth in Richmond Hospital and a tuck shop at Minoru Residence. 

van Duin estimates 25 per cent of customers shop at the thrift store because they need necessities—like shoes—and can’t afford them otherwise.

“We have a lady who collects comforters and blankets for the cat shelter,” says van Duin, adding another woman collects jackets that can’t be sold—due to small rips or stains—and brings them to Downtown Eastside residents.

But, for now, van Duin is asking potential donors to hold onto their items if possible because of a lack of space at the thrift store. For more information, check the auxiliary’s website: www.rhhaux.ca/.

Financial donations to the Restoration Fund can be made by mail to: Richmond Hospital/Healthcare Auxiliary, 7000 Westminster Hwy., Richmond BC V6X 1A2.

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