Temporary Thrift Shoppe Destroyed by Fire

UPDATE FROM BISSELL CENTRE’S CEO

Our temporary Thrift Shoppe location at 11817 80 Street,  has been destroyed by fire. The fire broke out as staff were closing up for the day. Thankfully, customers had already left, and our staff were able to flee the building without any injury. All of the contents were destroyed. We are devastated to experience such a disaster after our permanent store location experienced a terrible fire in September 2013.

A number of our staff have assisted the fire investigation team. I have been told by the Fire Investigation Team that  it may be Wednesday until there will be an official report on the cause. As soon as we know, we will share it with you.

Not only does the fire impact those who shop there for low cost clothing and household items, it impacts the 13 staff who depend on the store for their livelihood; these are the staff who worked so hard and long to reopen after the September fire. This is also terrible news for our friends at the  Native Friendship Centre  who were kind enough to let us rent the building.

Bissell Centre staff will be meeting to develop a plan to address what has happened. Discussions have begun already and on Monday I will be meeting with key staff from around our organization to identify the many next steps we will need to take to get past this and move forward.

I am appreciative of the thousands of  followers we have on social media who are sending their well wishes and their clear commitment to help us. We will let you know how you can help in a couple days.In the mean time, you can get some information at http://www.twitter.com/bissellcentre  

Thanks as well to the many media representatives who want to cover this and help mobilize a response. I ask everyone for patience as we regroup and do our best to quickly set a course of action. It is my intention to be able to address the media sometime Monday afternoon. Media inquiries should go to Devin Komarniski (Phone: 780.423.2285 ext. 131 E-mail:  [email protected]).

Some are wondering how the fire might have impacted our Underwear Drive (#DropYourGonch)  done in partnership with Mayfield Toyota. I understand all that  was collected in that drive is safe.

Many thanks to all of the 50 fire fighters who responded so quickly and worked so diligently to put out the fire and to the other emergency responders who helped out. Edmonton is blessed to have people like you.

I would be dishonest if I didn’t say this is heartbreaking. However, I have no doubt about the resiliency of my staff and the caring support of the Edmonton Community.

For those customers of the Thrift Shoppe, I am so sorry the store is out of commission. I am sure our friends who operate other Thrift Shoppes will help you until we are back up and running — Goodwill, the Salvation Army, among others.

Mark Holmgren, CEO

Bissell Centre’s Temporary Thrift Shoppe Now Open for Business!

On Monday, December 2^nd, Bissell Centre’s Temporary Thrift Shoppe will officially open as a store where low-income people and families can shop for gently used items. The Temporary Thrift Shoppe has been open since October 25^th as a location to drop-off donations but will now be 100% operational as both a store and a donation drop-off facility!
This will benefit the 5,000 to 6,000 low income people who utilize the Thrift Shoppe on a monthly basis to shop for much needed items including clothing, household goods, children’s toys, and personal care items.  

The Temporary Thrift Shoppe is located only a few blocks from our original Thrift Shoppe location that is currently under renovations due to fire damage that occurred in early September. All of the donations were lost in the fire and we are encouraging the public to continue to help us “Restock the Shoppe” by donating items such as: clothing for all ages and seasons, new socks & undergarments, footwear, backpacks & purses, linens & bedding, kitchen items, and toiletries & personal care items.  

Location and Hours of Operation:

Temporary Thrift Shoppe (behind the Burger Baron)

11817 80 Street, Edmonton T5B 2N6

Read More…

All this time, we’ve had a hidden gem!

Bissell Centre’s Thrift Shoppe has always been a valuable resource for us. It’s a place where we can help ensure that our community members, friends and neighbours have a place to purchase good quality products at very affordable prices. It’s where we are able to get donations to help stock our Community Closet, providing household necessities and clothing to severely impoverished individuals and families as we work to help them transition out of poverty. Our Thrift Shoppe is also, apparently, one of Edmonton’s best kept secrets!

When Edmonton Journal columnist Michael Hingston tweeted about his visit to the Thrift Shoppe, the response he got was “SHHH!!! That’s the SECRET BOOKSTORE!”

Hingston wasn’t content keeping it a secret though, writing about our amazing volunteer Margaret Mooney, and how much he enjoyed the store, the stock and the unbeatable prices was his way to share this rare gem with fellow book lovers. He later tweeted “today’s column, about #yeg’s best-kept bookstore secret, is my all-time favorite.”

What wasn’t mentioned in the article was that the Thrift Shoppe is a vital resource and a successful social enterprise for Bissell Centre. With last year’s sales through the store totalling almost $900,000 and the net proceeds supporting our programs that move people out of poverty, it’s a fantastic shopping trip for you, and a great source of support for Bissell Centre.