Thrift Store in Fort McMurray re-opening after yearlong closure

Fort McMurray Thrift Store has re-opened following repairs from the floods in 2020
by Alberta
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    The Salvation Army in Fort McMurray have re-opened their Thrift Store on April 6, 2021. The store originally closed due to COVID-19, but at the end of April 2020, severe damage from the floods pushed reopening back many months due to restoration and construction.

    “We are ensuring our store is clean and safe for all customers who wish to shop with us, as well as our donation drop-off center is still operating to receive donations,” said Mallory Janes, Communications Coordinator. “We are experiencing an overload of donations and are overwhelmed by the community support.”

    The city of Fort McMurray endured floods that caused sewage and water to back up into the building’s basement, which destroyed equipment, food, and clothing and required extensive renovations.

    Back in September 2020, the Thrift Store received a large donation from the Suncor Energy Foundation to open a drop-off centre to receive clothing donations in anticipation of reopening. This also allowed locals to call The Salvation Army and put in a request for clothing pick-up.

    The basement of the Thrift Store was home to the All Persons MAT-ter program – a drop-in program for individuals who are homeless seeking an overnight shelter. Fort McMurray MAT ProgramOn average, the program can see up to 26 people a night depending on personal circumstances and weather. The program was able to re-open on March 16, 2021.

    “The majority of the updates were done to the basement as that is where all the flood damage was,” explains Janes. “Our MAT program received a wonderful makeover, as for the Thrift Store there are some changes to the store, however, we are just happy to be back open.”

    The Salvation Army Thrift Store is now open and serving the community of Fort McMurray. The funds generated go towards their programs and services in the community.

    The Salvation Army Fort McMurray will host a virtual Christmas in June fundraiser scheduled for June 12, with all proceeds from the event helping their Community Services Centre’s programs and services.