It’s a win that will help take them to the next level, Sheila Allen says.
Last month, the Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society took home $20,000 worth of consultant time to streamline processes at the centre’s non-profit second-hand store, Pearl’s Value and Vintage. The organization was up against a pet treat bakery and commercial cleaning enterprise in this year’s Social Enterprise Heroes contest.
The three faced off in front of a live audience, panel of judges and television at the Day of Learning on April 16, a networking event in the Lower Mainland that celebrates organizations whose work contributes to healthy, sustainable communities.
It’s a big win, the executive director of the women’s centre said. The consulting services will enable the society to implement new receiving, sorting and merchandising processes of the donated goods received at the Pearl’s Value and Vintage thrift store.
“With these improvements, we will continue to offer quality, gently used goods and excellent customer service, but at an optimal level,” Allen said. “This is really important for us given the proceeds from the store go back to our programs to help women and children in our community.”
The non-profit thrift store opened in 2010. Since then its annual profits have climbed from $20,000 in its first year to $90,000 this fiscal year, Allen said. The store’s customer numbers are also up, having jumped more than 10,000 shoppers from 2012 to ’13.
Money from the store helps pay for drop-in programs in Whistler and Squamish, Allen told The Chief. Last year, the programs saw 5,995 visitors — 5,000 in Squamish and 995 in Whistler. The organization aims to extend hours into Saturday, Allen noted. The presentations were filmed and will air on Telus’ Optik TV community channel in late May.
