Local thrift store continued to fundraise for community organizations
The House of Economy on Manitoba Ave. in Selkirk once again had a successful year. They raised a total of $76,000 which they were able to give back to the organizations in our community that provide volunteers to help keep it going.
“I’d like to thank the volunteers that are here from the House of Economy. Without you people, this date could never exist. So, thank you so, so much,” said Colleen Girling, the president of the House of Economy Community Group at the cheque presentation.
The House of Economy is a local thrift store run completely by volunteers that accepts donations from our community. The project started because of the Selkirk Friendship Centre over 40 years ago. The Friendship Centre was receiving many generous donations from our community but didn’t have the room to store everything they received. In 1981, it was decided that the best plan would be to work with other community groups to pool volunteers and then start a thrift store which would benefit all of the organizations involved. Though the groups of volunteers have shifted over the years, the current line-up features representatives from the Selkirk Friendship Centre, the Gordon Howard Centre, the Selkirk Community Arts Centre and the House of Economy Community Group. Each of these groups received $19,000 this year.
At the cheque presentation, all groups were grateful for the support for their organizations.
Robin Nishibata Executive Director of the Selkirk Friendship Centre said, “I just like to thank everybody for their hard work and their volunteering.”
Terry Tillett, president of the Gwen Fox Gallery said, “I know how hard all of you work and always do a very good job.”
Barbara Doren, president of the Gordon Howard Centre thanked everyone for their hard work and mentioned that they will likely have a large project on their hands either moving or renovating the Gordon Howard Centre so she was very thankful for the donation.
Girling said that the House of Economy Community Group is thankful for the donation as it will allow them to continue to support bursaries in our community. In the past few years, they’ve been able to increase bursaries for local high school students now giving out four where previously they were funding two.
After the donations were handed out, there was a special acknowledgement of a volunteer made by Girling. She recognized Wendy Hokanson volunteering extra hours every week to make the House of Economy a wonderful place to be.
“She has gone over and above with her volunteering,” said Girling.
The House of Economy has many amazing volunteers, from people who are new to the store to a few who have been volunteering for over 40 years.
Girling attributes the success of the organization to the dedication of its volunteers.
“If it wasn’t for the dedication from our volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do it,” she said.
She says that there is a great deal of comradery and friendship in the group.
“We’ve grown to be like a family. We talk together. If we were upset, we cry together. We’re like a family, absolutely,” said Girling.
She also said that they are very happy to accept more volunteers if there is someone from our community who would like to find a group to be a part of.
The best way to get into contact with them is to give them a call or better yet stop into the store during open hours and let them know you are interested.
Girling said it’s wonderful to be able to know that you are making a difference in our community in this way.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to help the community. It’s not an easy task. We work hard all year and when a day like today comes and it makes you feel so good that you volunteered and this is the end result,” said Girling.
She wants to make sure that all of the House of Economy volunteers know how much she values their hard work. In addition, she’d like to thank all of the patrons of House of Economy and the people who make donations.
“I’d like to thank all the volunteers. I’d like to thank all the people who give generously to our store. Anybody that would like to donate to us just bring it down to 246 Manitoba Ave. All our money goes back into the community,” said Girling.
Record Photos by Katelyn Boulanger
