Thrift Stores Increase Practical Support Through Voucher Program

The Salvation Army thrift store (national recycling operations or NRO) is making a tangible social and environmental impact within the communities in which they operate.

With 106 thrift stores and donor welcome centres, 10 distribution and recycling centres helmed by the national recycling operations, the organization is making a difference every day for community members and the planet we all share.

“Our thrift stores have existed for over 100 years, growing in popularity and reach.”

“Our thrift stores have existed for over 100 years, growing in popularity and reach,” says Ted Troughton, managing director of NRO. “What has been constant is our incredibly positive impact for our neighbours in need and for cleaner communities.”

In fiscal year 2018-2019 the thrift store offered increased practical support through their voucher program resulting in $6,220,352 of clothing and household items being given away free of cost. “That’s 48,699 vouchers issued to individuals and families who have fallen on hard times to shop for those needed items,” says Troughton. “This doesn’t reflect those items given away to community members entering our stores in immediate need, which our team answers.”

In additional to the above, $759,003 was raised to support various Salvation Army initiatives in the fight against poverty such as sending children to summer camps, assisting children overseas and life-skill programs.

With over 14 million guests and donors walking through Salvation Army thrift store doors in the last year, the impact of thrift can also be seen through the sustainable benefits for the environment. Thrift shopping and donating gives millions of items a second chance at life, keeping them out of landfills. Last year through 106 locations 37,404 metric tonnes (82.4 million pounds) of clothing, textiles, household items and furniture were diverted from local landfills.

“We always look for new ways to assist socially or environmentally.”

“We are established leaders in Canadian textile diversion and have made great strides in increasing our impact through countless corporate and municipal partners,” says Troughton. “We are also members of the National Zero Waste Council of Canada and have been key in forming the National Association of Charitable Textile Recycling (NACTR).”

“We always look for new ways to assist socially or environmentally and welcome community members, businesses, municipalities and all others to reach out with new initiatives that can transform lives and the environment,” says Troughton.

For store and donation drop off locations, visit thriftstore.ca