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 dkomarniski@bissellcentre.org
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
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 dkomarniski@bissellcentre.org
