New Salvation Army Thrift Store Opens in Vernon
Credit: The Salvation Army Vernon
On January 10, 2025, The Salvation Army celebrated the grand opening of its new thrift store location in Vernon at the Midtown Mall (2707 43rd Avenue). This new store location allowed for the expansion of the food bank marking a significant step forward in addressing the growing demand for services in Vernon.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, brought together local dignitaries, community leaders, media, and members of the public to mark the occasion. Following the ceremony, the doors opened to eager shoppers, excited to explore the bright and inviting new store filled with quality items. Present at the event were MLA Harwinder Sandhu, MP Mel Arnold, Mayor Victor Cumming (City of Vernon) and City Councillor Kari Gares.
Lt. Neil Thompson, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army Vernon Community Church, highlighted the many benefits of the new location.
“We are excited to bring a fresh, new look to thrifting in Vernon. Our new location is bright, new, and full of a lot of quality items. There is way more parking than ever before. This move also helps to achieve the overall goal of expanding food bank services in our community, which has been needed for a number of years.”
The new thrift store not only offers a more accessible and convenient shopping experience but also forms part of a hub for thrift shoppers, joining the Habitat for Humanity and Kindale Thrift Store at the Midtown Mall. With ample parking and a central location, it’s also now easier than ever for donors to drop off items.
Addressing Growing Food Insecurity
Salvation Army Thrift Store manager Bridget Westcott (centre) receives a bouquet of flowers from Vernon Corps Officer Lt. Neil Thompson at the official grand opening of the store. Credit: The Morning Star/Vernon, B.C.
The relocation of the thrift store paves the way for a much-needed expansion of The Salvation Army’s Vernon Food Bank, currently situated within the Community Church. The new food bank location near Walmart will be four times the size of the current space, allowing the organization to better meet the increasing demand for food assistance. In 2024 alone, the Vernon Food Bank served an average of 1,100 people per month, with 32% of them being children and youth under the age of 18. The holiday season brought even more urgency, with over 700 families receiving Christmas food hampers—a staggering 40% increase compared to 2023.
The expanded space will feature large commercial fridges and freezers, enabling the acceptance of larger refrigerated donations. The layout will also support a “choice” model, empowering food bank users to select the items they need rather than receiving pre-made hampers.
Credit: The Morning Star/Vernon, B.C.
Lt. Thompson emphasized the importance of these changes. “This unprecedented need is why we are trying to expedite the required renovations so that the new food bank can open in May.”
Community Support Needed
The Salvation Army invites the community to support this vital project. Donations to the capital building fund are welcome and can be made by visiting vernonhouseofhope.com.
The grand opening marks a turning point in the fight against food insecurity in Vernon. With the new thrift store providing fresh opportunities for shoppers and donors alike, and plans for the expanded food bank underway, The Salvation Army is committed to bringing hope to the community—one step at a time.
