London’s Salvation Army Thrift Store Sparkles with Charm and Signifies Community

By Shannon Wise | May 2, 2019

For over 10 years, The Salvation Army Thrift Store in London has offered a unique way to serve the community. When you shop and donate to the Thrift Store you are making a real difference for neighbours in need – through retail and recycling. Shopping and donating is a win-win for the environment as they assist in diverting over 80 million pounds of gently used items from local landfills nationally.

London’s Thrift Store supports countless local Salvation Army programs, services and emergency relief efforts. Retail District Manager of The Salvation Army Thrift Store, Paul Millar says you can feel great shopping for a good cause while getting lots of Fab Finds in clothing, household items, home décor, furniture and much more.

“We put out at least two-thousand new items on our sales floor each day so you never know what you’ll get which is part of the charm, the unique items to be treasured.”

London’s Donor Welcome Centre is the only covered drive through donation drop off area in all of Canada. Donations are accepted at 1960 Dundas Street, seven days a week. On average, there are 150 people a day that uses the drive through system.

“We had a piece of furniture donated from the 1800s,” says Lori White, assistant store manager.

“It was a dresser a gentleman had found in his home when he bought it 75 years ago. It was a piece from 1891. A lot of incredibly unique items such as these are available at our auction, held on the last Friday of the month. We often have a huge variety of different items such as sports memorabilia and antiques.”

In fiscal year 2017-2018, London’s Salvation Army Thrift Store gave back over $85,000 to neighbours in need to shop free of cost for their most needed items through their voucher program. Twelve-thousand dollars was used to send local children to summer camps, life skills programs and to assist the fight against poverty. One local woman recognized the value of this community concept and left the Thrift Store a remarkable doll collection.

“A lot of them were of high value…majority were sold through our auction,” says White. “She chose to leave her sentimental collection to The Salvation Army Thrift Store. That speaks volumes.”

The Salvation Army Thrift Store is part of one of the largest national charities, The Salvation Army, which supports over 1.7 million Canadians annually. Funds raised in each community stays within the neighbourhood to support various local programs.

“We are like family here,” says White. “Quite often we receive compliments about how welcoming and happy the atmosphere is at our store.”

In fact, there is a team member who has been employed at the London location since the day it opened.

“Christine is usually at our cash desk and greets everyone with a big hello,” says White. “Our guests love her and so do we!”

White also says many employees, including her, have adopted the Thrift Store mentality in their personal lives. It has even taught her 13-year-old son a thing or two about giving back.

“He appreciates the fact not everybody is as fortunate as he is. He feels lucky to have the items I have purchased, second hand.”

Why Donate?

• Donors offered $10 off to shop in Salvation Army Thrift Stores.
• Thrift Store supports local Salvation Army programs, services and emergency relief efforts.
• Offers a voucher program in collaboration with local Salvation Army ministry units for community members in need of clothing, housewares, furniture.
• Funds raised stay local.