A great year for Twice is Nice means more support for Wellspring

The Wellspring Family Resource and Crisis Centre helps support families that are fleeing abuse and crisis situations. Back in October of 2016, they opened a second hand-store called Wellspring’s Twice is Nice to help provide financial support to the shelter and to have a supply of donated items available to help get families back on their feet. Since opening, the store (located in Midtown Mall) has consistently received support from the community, both by those who purchase and those who donate.

Shauna Bruneau, store manager, said they had a goal for 2018 and were very happy to reach it. “We increased our profits by 50 per cent compared to 2017. With the economy going how it was I was very happy to see that we achieved it.” Profits from the store are put back into the shelter to help with programs and any needs they have.

“Any of the clients that come into the shelter also come into the store and can receive items free of charge. After that, once they move out onto their own, we set them up with a starter kit that includes items for a kitchen, bathroom, bedding, and any other household items they may need, again free of charge,” explained Bruneau.

She said they also help other community members. “We’ve had people walk in that don’t have a winter jacket or don’t have proper winter wear and we will set them up with that. We help a lot within the homeless community, too, and we donate a lot to Tennille’s Hope. We try to give back to the community as much as we can.”

Bruneau added that it’s important to empower people rather than enable them. “I love empowering people. It’s an awesome feeling.” The lifeblood of the store comes solely from the generous donations of community members. Over the last year the staff added both in-store and online auctions to the shopping experience. “Donations have remained consistent. When we think that we are getting low we always end up getting slammed by tons of them, so it always seems to work out.”

One thing Bruneau said they always need more of are volunteers and she encourages residents to volunteer anywhere they can. “The biggest thing you can do for your community is to volunteer your time. It’s a rewarding experience. Volunteer anywhere you can. We have fun here and would love to have you join us.”

Of the donations they receive, Bruneau said they put 70 per cent out on the shelves. The remaining 30 per cent that cannot be sold is either upcycled, recycled, or given away for free. The last resort is throwing it away. “Donating is a great way to recycle things and I love that we can keep things out of the landfill as much as possible.”

A couple of things they don’t take include used car seats, used mattresses, car parts, large appliances, and old tube televisions. If you are unsure of what can be donated, they recommend popping in and asking. Store hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on all open days. “Thank you for all of your support and for keeping us going. We appreciate it very much!”