Summerland thrift store builds enclosed donation area amid safety fears

Volunteers at the Summerland Health Auxiliary Thrift Shop in British Columbia have a new reason for peace of mind with the installation of an enclosed donation area. The move comes after growing safety concerns in the back alley began to impact both volunteer morale and the flow of donations.

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They would break the lock on our donations bin and scatter it all over the place. It’s getting to the point where our volunteers are getting frightened to start their shift.

Maintenance volunteer Kurt Evans described a worsening situation where donation bins were broken into and their contents scattered. He noted that volunteers were becoming frightened to start their shifts. This atmosphere also deterred potential donors, with some expressing reluctance to leave their contributions due to the perceived risks of the back alley.

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I’ve heard donors say they don’t know if they would donate anymore because of the risk to come to the back alley.

Despite these challenges, the thrift store remains a popular destination for shoppers from across the Okanagan region, drawn by its great prices. The new steel structure allows volunteers to sort donations behind a secure barrier, separating them from the alley. While the enclosed area addresses immediate safety and security issues for donated items, the shop continues to recruit volunteers to ensure its long-term viability as a community staple.

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We are in town to specifically go to that thrift store. You run around and try to get what you can. The prices are really great and it’s one of the best thrift stores in the region.