Toonie Sale Provides Affordable Shopping While Supporting the Community
Lloydminster, Alta., is a relatively small but fast-growing city, with a population of just over 30,000. Despite its size, The Salvation Army’s presence is strong.
Although the city does not have a Salvation Army thrift store, an initiative by the organization’s church in Lloydminster is giving residents the chance to buy useful items at a discount through the “Toonie Sale”.
This program is made possible thanks to partnerships with local businesses that donate new, unopened products worth around $15 to The Salvation Army. These items are then sold to guests for $1, $2 or $5.
“Because our church is small, this initiative serves as a fundraiser for us.”
“We are getting donations from several local businesses of brand-new supplies and we are figuring out the best way to make use of these. Because our church is small, this initiative serves as a fundraiser for us,” Tiffany Frank, program coordinator, explains.
Over the past few years, the Toonie Sale has helped fund building renovations, youth camps and family service programs such as food assistance and Christmas support.
The sale runs weekly, whenever the church is open. The foyer transforms into a mini market with tables filled with clothes, household items, craft supplies, toys and decorations. While the initiative helps The Salvation Army, it also provides guests experiencing financial hardship the opportunity to purchase practical items at a very reasonable price.
Many people in the community have expressed their appreciation of the program, including students who attend the church’s weekly English Conversation classes.
“It’s a wonderful place for people to get things at a discounted price.”
“They just love it,” Tiffany adds. “We host them for supper every Wednesday and they always like to shop when they come. It’s a wonderful place for people to get things at a discounted price. We are like a thrift store in a bottle.”
The main difference between the Toonie Sale and a thrift store is that all the items available are new.
“We are constantly told by guests what a good deal this is,” Tiffany shares. “To get something new that would be $15 in-store for $2 here is pretty cool.”
Staff members usually run the sale. However, volunteers are always welcome to help unpack donations and sort them.
If more businesses in the community are interested in contributing to this initiative, Tiffany reminds them that The Salvation Army welcomes donations of brand-new, unopened items.
By Juan Romero
