Having raised more than $30,000 over the past three years, Habitat 53°’s ReStore is off to another impressive start.
With four business days so far, ReStore has raised more than $1,200 to help the non-profit build a home for a low-income family.
ReStore manager Kathy McCormick wants 2015 to be the most successful year yet.
“I hope to see bigger and better things,” she said. “We’re aiming for $20,000.”
Last year the ReStore generated $16,000 to help build the Steventon Boulevard home that is Flin Flon’s first Habitat for Humanity project.
Friday, April 17 marked day one for the ReStore this year with plans to stay open until the end of September.
The store is already $500 ahead of where it was at the end of April 2014, McCormick said.
ReStore sells (and accepts donations of) building materials, furniture and unused and second-hand household items.
Originally open only on Saturdays, the ReStore is also open on Fridays by popular demand. It is located in the one-time storage shed at the rear of the former armoury property.
Four years ago, a wide-eyed McCormick walked through the door of the empty 1,440-sq-ft building.
“I looked into that empty space and I thought, ‘How are we going to fill this space? How are we going to make this work?’” she recalled. “[Fellow Habitat volunteer] Ted [Elliott] saw the look on my face and said, ‘Just believe’ and I did, and it worked.”
Destination
Today ReStore is a popular weekend destination for both area residents and those traveling from out of town – and there’s been no problem making use of the space.
“In those first two weeks [in 2012] things were slow to catch on, but then it was non-stop,” said McCormick.
The ReStore is stocked with donations from within the community and outlying areas.
“There is always something coming in, almost every day,” said McCormick.
People holding garage sales have donated items to the Restore. In some cases families, following the passing of a loved one, have opened their homes to see whether Habitat could use some of the available items.
“It’s a wonderful thing,” McCormick said. “We’re able to help the family, keep things out of the landfill and give things a second home.”
For those wishing to drop off items for the ReStore, McCormick asks for donations to be brought to the location during business hours.
She says while it is most appreciated to have items dropped off during business hours, exceptions can be made.
A minimum of eight volunteers during each weekend are required for the ReStore to operate.
Three volunteers are needed for Fridays and five volunteers on Saturdays, though McCormick says more are always welcome.
“We’re always looking for volunteers and [we] would appreciate the help,” she said.
For more information on making a donation to the ReStore, contact Kathy McCormick at 204-687-6582.
To volunteer, contact volunteer coordinator Katie Anderson at
204-687-3935.
The ReStore is open Fridays from 1 to 4 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm.
