Root for Squamish, says the Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society’s executive director.
On Wednesday, April 16, the organization that promotes equality and empowerment for women through its various programs is going to lay it on the line for a chance to win $50,000 in expert consulting and grants. The women’s centre’s non-profit second-hand store, Pearl’s Value and Vintage, is up against a pet treat bakery and commercial cleaning enterprise in this year’s Social Enterprise Heroes contest.
The three will face off in front of a team of judges and live audience. It all goes down at the Day of Learning, a networking event in the Lower Mainland that celebrates organizations whose work contributes to healthy, sustainable communities.
“We are on our fifth draft,” Shiela Allen said of the centre’s presentation.
If the centre wins, consultants’ time will be put toward figuring out ways to manage and categorizing Pearl’s constant flow of merchandise. 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 said. Last year, the initiative saw 5,995 visitors — 5,000 in Squamish and 995 in Whistler. The organization aims to extend hours into Saturday, Allen noted.
“We are busy,” she said.
Pearl’s revenue makes up seven per cent of the society’s budget, said Megan Reynolds, the women’s centre’s resource development manager.
“I think it is going to be really nerve-wracking,” she said. “We are super excited about it.”
Telus, one of the event’s sponsors, is making a video on the finalists. It will be released once a winner is chosen. For more information on the event visit www.socialenterpriseheroes.ca.
