A new thrift store has set up shop on Watford’s Nauvoo Road, with the aim to provide affordable goods to individuals and families from across East Lambton while also serving as a community hub of spells for those in need.
On April 30, local residents and officials – including Warwick Township Mayor Jackie Rombouts – marked the grand opening of the Giving Hope Thrift Store & More, located at 5639 Nauvoo Rd.
Overflowing with items ranging from home décor and hamster cages to kitchen sinks, clothing and even collectable Elvis Presley plates, the new and accessible thrift store was set up to provide important services to the community, said the store’s Lisa Holmes.
“I’ve been working on this adventure since last August,” she said. “I met a lot of awesome people and we looked at buildings in Arkona, Alvinston or Watford. We needed a wheelchair accessible building…and (we found this). We registered for non-for-profit and are working on our charitable status.”
Though its primary aim is providing the public with modestly-priced merchandise, both gently-used and new, Giving Hope will be much more than just another thrift shop, Holmes said.
“The board and I want to put programs together out here to help individuals and families in East Lambton,” she said. “And we also have plans for a counselor to come out here a few times a week too.”
Holmes said her own experience as a young, single mother inspired her to get this initiative started – it was a way of paying it forward to local residents who helped her out when she was in need.
“I was a teenage mom when I moved to Watford, and I was a single mom and I also faced homelessness first-hand,” she said. “So I know there’s a real need for something like this here – people in East Lambton can’t really go to Sarnia, they can’t go to London for help.
“I had a chance of getting help when I needed it, so I want to help individuals and families here too.”
Poverty and homelessness can easily be overlooked in smaller communities such as Watford, Holmes said.
“The struggle is real,” she said. “For a lot of people … it’s hard asking for help and that’s one thing that we want people in East Lambton to know, that they can come to us for help, there will be no (stigma) and everything is confidential.”
So far community support has been tremendous, Holmes said.
When East Lambton Giving Hope Inc. took possession of the building in March, local businesses stepped up by donating all sorts of goods and services, including paint, renovation material and commercial bait traps.
Community members have been equally generous, Holmes said, volunteering their time and providing the store with a profusion of paraphernalia including big ticket items like furniture and electronics to smaller fare such as children’s toys and CDs.
“There has been an outpouring of donations from community,” she said. “Our back room is full, so we’ve been really hurt.”
The shop has already hired one person and is looking to fill two more positions in the future. Volunteering at the shop is also a great way for students to earn their volunteer hours or put towards post-secondary scholarships, Holmes said.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with volunteers and that’s been great – our volunteers and our board members do this so we can help others,” she said. “And if students are looking at going to college or university, I’d advise them to speak with their guidance counselor and see what they need. Not only will they earn hours, but it’s a great place to be – we laugh around here, we have fun around here and it gives them some work and life experience as well.”
Holmes said none of this would be possible without the support of the Watford Living Hope Fellowship church or the generosity of the broader community. She hopes the store will be a beacon for those in need.
“There’s nothing better than seeing people leaving here happy, saying thank you. I’ve had so many messages over the past few weeks thanking me, it feels so rewarding,” she said. “I just want to be able to serve East Lambton with the thrift store, provide affordable prices – we have no tax in the store, which helps save.
“I’m a very outgoing person, I love people and we have some pretty awesome things we’re working on here,” Holmes added. “If somebody’s looking for something, I’ll make a note and see if we have it and…if someone needs a hand, we’ll help them.”
The Giving Hope Thrift Store & More is located at 5639 Nauvoo Rd. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm
For more information about the shop or sales, visit the East Lambton Giving Hope Inc. Facebook page.