Kenora Store Celebrates Re-Opening After Extensive Renovations

ribbon cutting at thrift store re-opening
by jmifsud
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    IMG_1638The Salvation Army Lake of the Woods Thrift Store and Community Family Services in Kenora, Ontario re-opened its doors to the community on Wednesday, February 15, after being closed for almost a month while various renovations were completed, including a complete replacement of the store’s floor and a new paint job. 

    Staff celebrated alongside Kenora residents with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. – with help from Mayor David Canfield – followed by coffee and cake and some shopping, as residents were able to peruse the store’s donated goods once again.

     “This has been a long time coming, and I can’t tell you how excited we are to finally have these upgrades finished and open our doors to show the community what we’ve done with the place,” said the store’s business manager Sandra Poole. “We have a wonderful relationship with the residents of Kenora, and this was a crucial step in ensuring that we can continue to provide a certain standard of service that we hold ourselves to.” IMG_1571

    The total cost of the renovations came in at just over $19,000; a grant from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program and additional funding from community donors covered the cost of the floor repairs.

    “Economical access to clothing, footwear, household items and food is critical in our community and The Salvation Army provides this service that is in high demand throughout the various seasons,” wrote Mayor Canfield in a letter of support that helped The Salvation Army acquire the necessary funding. “The loss of this service in our community would be significant. The various programs and services offered at this facility provide invaluable opportunities to those in need, with the ultimate goal of community spirit in ensuring that people, regardless of their circumstances, can find an open door of welcome and practical support.”

    After re-opening its doors on Wednesday, the store saw more than $1,500 in sales – its best day to date – a touching indication of just how much the local Thrift Store was missed.

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