Help us reach our goal of $25,000 to re-open our Thrift Shoppe after devastating fire

When we experienced a fire to our original Thrift Shoppe in September 2013, we were left scrambling to provide important services. When a second fire hit nine months later at our temporary location on June 21, 2014, we were left devastated. #RestoreBissell  fire relief fundraiser is a two-week online event  where we need your help to  raise $25,000 to re-open the doors to our original Thrift Shoppe for late October.

The online fundraiser starts  Monday, July 28th and runs until Friday, August 8th. We encourage you to please donate at restorebissell.organd  spread the word using hashtag #RestoreBissell.

The re-opening of the store is vital because it provides $60,000 in annual revenue after expenses to support various Bissell Centre programs and services. With an estimated 100,000 articles of clothing lost in the fire, it interrupted the flow of clothing to our inner-city Community Closet, which provides free clothes to low-income families and individuals. When the store closed due to the fire, 5,000-6,000 monthly customers were forced to look elsewhere for affordable clothing and household goods.

For more information, please contact:

Devin Komarniski Acting Manager of Marketing & Communications 780.423.2285, Ext 131 [email protected]

Rethink Homelessness

This video was recommended to us by one of our Twitter followers (thanks Deirdre!).It is a short video from Orlando and it asks you to rethink homelessness. Its message is relevant here and everywhere. Please take a moment to view it – and share! Rethink Homelessness Video

Thrift Shoppe Fire Update – still in need of donations!

We have seen overwhelming support from people, organizations, and companies throughout the  city who have donated clothing to help us rebuild after the devastating Thrift Shoppe fire. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the cause! Your help has provided much needed clothing to those who rely on Bissell Centre for assistance. We are now accepting donations of  clothing, linen, bedding, shoes, purses, back packs, small household items, knick-knacks,  collectibles, and  jewellery.

Bissell drop off locations  can be found at:Bissell Centre Thrift Shoppe (Big Steel Box): 8818 – 118th ave  10am-5pm Monday – Saturday Bissell Centre Southside Location:  5120 – 122 street  9am-4pm Monday – Saturday

Those wishing to make a financial contribution to the Bissell Centre may do so by visiting  our donation page.

If you would like to coordinate a clothing drive in your community or at your work, please  click here  to download a poster that you can use.

For further information please contact:

Madhu Khera – Manager, Bissell Centre Thrift Shoppe 780.471.6644

For Media Inquiries:

Devin Komarniski, Acting Manager Marketing & Communications 780.423.2285, Ext 131 [email protected]

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