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Newly renovated Yale Thrift Store open for business

Money from the non-profit is sent back into the community
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The non-profit Yale Thrift Store is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. (submitted photo)

After a long COVID-caused closure, the Yale Thrift Store is ready to re-open.

The non-profit is welcoming customers back into a pair of freshly renovated buildings now, from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

A grand re-opening summer celebration will see the store selling hot dogs and pops for $5 every Saturday, from June 18 through September 17.

“While the store was closed, the Yale and District Ratepayers Association (YDRA) and community volunteers took time to empty, paint, and make improvements to the interior of the buildings,” said store manager Gaylynn Monkman. “We now have hot and cold running water, sinks, washroom, changeroom, and a level floor.”

Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) Regional Director, Dennis Adamson, was pivotal in getting a grant to paint both buildings and erect a sign.

The store is run by the YDRA and profits from the thrift store are funnelled back into the region.

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“As we are a non-profit volunteer organization, our prices are very reasonable and we are able to help many,” Monkman said. “Money is spent on emergency preparedness supplies, sports equipment for the Community Centre, social programs and community gatherings and events. We were fortunate to be able to help Lytton with emergency supplies in their time of need.”

The Thrift Store was founded and organized in 2011 by our former FVRD Regional Director Walter Kassian and many people have volunteered their time sorting donations, stocking shelves, and running the store.

The buildings have become a source of pride in the community.

“Under the direction of the current YDRA executive, with Karen Virteau as president, and our volunteers, the YDRA intends to continue to make our local thrift store a hub of the community where, for a few hours, you can shop, socialize, and maybe have a coffee and cookie.”

The Yale Thrift Store is located at 31246 Douglas Street, right beside Yale and District Firehall #1. It’s about 20 minutes east of Hope on Highway 1.

The store gratefully accepts sellable donations with a smile and a homemade cookie. In particular, they are looking for household and small furniture.

The YDRA was founded April 8, 1968, serving an area from Alexandra Bridge to American Creek Bridge.

The first executive included Mitch Hodge (president), Mary Gazzola (vice president) and Vivian Williams (secretary-treasurer) along with directors C.E. Barry, Thomas Jackson, Oscar Lohm and Harvey Plante.


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eric.welsh@hopestandard.com

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Eric Welsh

About the Author: Eric Welsh

I joined the Chilliwack Progress in 2007, originally hired as a sports reporter.
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