The Salvation Army\u2019s National Recycling Operations serve through retail and recycling by diverting waste from landfills with 106 thrift stores and 10 distribution and recycling centres. These frequent thrift shoppers from different walks of life give their reasons for shopping second-hand.
\nKristen is passionate about sustainable living and climate justice. \u201cShopping at Salvation Army thrift stores helps me carefully curate my style at a lower price, while diverting clothes from the landfill,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/salvationarmy.ca\/atlantic\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/02\/thrift_store_day_kristen_quote.png\" "\\"Kristen\\"")
\u201cI always advocate for others to shop at thrift stores,\u201d continues Kristen. \u201cWhile Salvation Army thrift stores help to provide critical services, more people should feel comfortable thrifting as a means of reducing their impact on the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond contributing to the greener good, Salvation Army thrift stores also provide a high-value, low-cost shopping experience to those in need. Jamilla, a recent university graduate, loves to look professional. However, living on a low income made shopping at the mall a challenging experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a student, I made less than minimum wage,\u201d says Jamilla, who is now a social worker. \u201cOnce you\u2019re through paying rent, utilities, internet and your phone bill\u2014buying a few outfits at the mall is not as important as your groceries.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jamilla wanted a better job but never felt confident in the clothes she already had. \u201cI wanted to look presentable going to interviews,\u201d says Jamilla. \u201cShopping at Salvation Army thrift stores helped prepare me for success.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Nin found out that thrift stores provide direct assistance to vulnerable people, she had even more of an incentive to continue shopping and donating. \u201cIf you like investing in the betterment of your community, you should be thrifting at The Salvation Army,\u201d she says. \u201cThe money from my donated items also goes back into the community\u2014I can see how full circle Salvation Army thrift stores are.\u201d<\/p>\n