Maj Bob Lay, Senior Base Chaplain met with a representative gathering of former volunteers from the Base Borden Thrift Shop. This group of committed individuals gathered as we processed the news that the building for the Base Thrift Shop will be demolished. This development opened a window to follow a base directive to partner with the local community. At the meeting some key volunteers from “Helping Hands” were introduced.
Helping Hands is a thrift shop in Angus that is very near to the base entrance in the shopping plaza that the Giant Tiger is located in. They provide low cost used clothing and household items to members of the Angus area and they reported that they have military families that have been their customers for some time.
They operate with the same general mandate of using volunteer staff to maximise the proceeds that come so they can pass on funds to help other community agencies. Most of their funds go to the Angus Food Bank.
This step marks a new opportunity to partner and merge efforts within the Angus community. Helping Hands does have a longer-term tenancy agreement for their location and has a reputation for serving the area for many years. They are open six days a week and can accept good used items when open or after hours also. They will also be available to provide emergency assistance to families in extreme need.
It is important to pause and express thanks to all the volunteers of the Thrift shop and recognize the benefits that this group of volunteers found in serving as they so faithfully have. They have experienced the good feelings of placing the needs and interests of others ahead of their own. They discovered a level of community within the volunteer pool that was marked by the common care for the clients and fellow volunteers.
I noticed that there was mentoring opportunities between generations as they welcomed High School volunteers to help in the thrift shop. They are truly an amazing group of people who we are confident will find meaningful ways to serve others in the future.
By: Maj Bob Lay
