The Williams Lake Hospice Society (WLHS) is hosting a grand opening on Friday, May 30 for its new shop Good Buys Thrift Boutique.
As Canada’s annual Hospice Month comes to an end, the WLHS is marking a new beginning. Located at 29 B Third Avenue South in Williams Lake, the volunteer-run boutique had a soft launch on May 6 and is now inviting the community to see what they’re all about.
“Come see our lovely little store,” said Sheri Marsh, program coordinator with the WLHS. “We’ll have all our smiles and a bunch of volunteers.”
There will be music and baked goodies at the grand opening, which is being held during the store's business hours on the day. The shop, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., was made possible thanks to support from locals.
“The community should be patting themselves on the back,” Marsh said as she thought about how locals embraced the idea of the boutique with open arms. Every item in the store has been donated from people both within and outside of the community.
Good Buys accepts gently used clothing and accessories including shoes and purses, and depending on available space, may also accept home decor items. Donations to the boutique, and subsequent purchases, will help the non-profit continue to provide and expand its free social, emotional and spiritual supports for those facing advanced illness, death or bereavement in Williams Lake and surrounding areas.
Volunteers are always needed to help the WLHS in any capacity that works for the volunteer. Providing support with the running of events, fundraisers and the boutique, as well as providing end-of-life services which the hospice facilitates training for, are ways you can help. Those interested in volunteering can apply online or visit the store where application forms are available.
“This is a wonderful way to contribute and help support the people who are involved,” Marsh said of the boutique.
Whether it’s to shop, donate or volunteer, Good Buys provides a space for locals to help the hospice raise money and awareness. As a non-profit run almost entirely by volunteers and funded by donations and grants, this is important.
Other ways the hospice raises funds is through the annual Hike for Hospice which took place on May 4 this year, its December Memory Tree celebration and a year-long bottle drive, which you can contribute to anytime by bringing your empties to the Return-it Depot in Williams Lake and tell a worker they are for the hospice.
Currently, donation Memory Seed Boxes are circulating in businesses across the city with pouches of perennial wildflower seeds zoned for the area which can be taken home and planted in memory of a loved one.
“This store is our bridge to the public,” added Karla Leclerc, who volunteers both at the boutique and with Hospice End-Of-Life services.
The boutique is a great place to connect with volunteers and become aware of the hospice services you may one day need, with pamphlets and an information board available for reference.
For those in need of hospices services, Marsh said to visit the WLHS office at 143 Fourth Avenue South, or call the office at 250-392-5430.
