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Thrift shop in Sooke resells and recycles

Affordable items, friendly staff

Sooke Family Resource Society, thrift shop
Sooke Family Resource Society Thrift Shop offers a wide range of affordably-priced items [West Shore Voice News - Chelsea Kirkpatrick]
ISLAND SOCIAL TRENDS Holiday Season COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Friday, July 26, 2019 ~ SOOKE

by Chelsea Kirkpatrick ~ West Shore Voice News

The Sooke Family Resource Society (SFRS) Community Thrift Shop is a non-profit organization in Sooke that engages in the community by giving back to community in ways like recycling, donating and reusing items they’re given.

They opened their doors at 6715 West Coast Road in Sooke in October 2015, excited to help the community and bring them together all while being able to support SFRS in the process.

SFRS thrift shop, Bev Lewis
SFRS Thrift Shop operator Bev Lewis (right) out front of the store, July 2019 [West Shore Voice News / Chelsea Kirkpatrick]

All proceeds from sales at the shop go back into the community. They sell a wide range of affordably-priced household items — from baby clothing to board games and everything in between!

Volunteers are always needed, but they’ve never had much of an issue as the community seems to be very involved either with stuff to donate or free time to volunteer.

Millennials are one of their biggest customer demographics along with retirees that shop there. Most days are steadily busy throughout the year.

SFRS thrift shop, Sooke
Clothing, housewares, toys and more [West Shore Voice News / Chelsea Kirkpatrick]

Parking out front of the building on the busy West Coast Road (Highway 14) can be a struggle, but SFRS Community Thrift Shop appreciates how their customers are flexible on this point.

Half-price days are usually on the 15th and 3rd (depending on the pension cheques) of every month, so there’s always a day to come in and afford what you need.

Another little thrift shop project is working with the local EMCS high school to provide clothes the students can select for their grad fashion show. This joint community effort started in 2018 and typically students will come back after the show to purchase the clothes.

Sooke Family Resource Society Thrift Shop Customer and Donor Appreciation Day
Sooke Family Resource Society Thrift Shop Customer and Donor Appreciation Day is on Saturday August 17, 2019

Volunteers from the local RBC branch will be coming out on August 17 for Customer Appreciation day and a Book Sale, with cake and goodies for all those who attend.

On Thursday September 26 (weather permitting) there will be a BBQ lunch to acknowledge customers, staff and volunteers.

SFRS thrift shop operator Bev Lewis has a background in property and financial management. Every day the sales at the not-for-profit shop are robust under her watch.