By Kristine Salzmann
Organizers of a new charity thrift store in downtown Cloverdale are already experiencing the good will of the community.
Alan and Judy Daser, founders of Eversafe Ranch and Doolittles Animal Rescue, opened the doors to the organization’s first thrift store yesterday (Aug. 21).
On Monday, the shop was a flurry of activity and chatter as volunteers cleaned the floors and priced items in preparation for opening day. They had yet to ring up a sale, but Alan Daser said the group has had many people poke their heads in to express their excitement.
A local artist walking by even offered to paint them a mural, free of charge. Greg Evans-Davies paid tribute to the animal rescue side of the organization with a wall painting of dogs and children playing in an expansive green field.
In fact, the community’s generosity is what inspired the thrift store.
Eversafe provides furniture, housewares, clothing and often food to Surrey families in need.
Judy Daser said they were receiving so many donations of household items that they were having to turn items away.
Now, through the store, they can raise money for Eversafe and Doolittles as well as offer affordable furniture, clothes and children’s gear to the community.
“We recognized there were a number of families in this area that couldn’t afford to properly outfit their homes,” Alan Daser said in a media release. “We’re hoping this thrift store will fill that gap.”
They accept “anything you can find in a house,” he added.
The community is invited to an official opening of the Eversafe/Doolittles Charity Thrift Store (5666 176 St.) this Saturday, Aug. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The store’s regular hours are Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additional volunteers to help run the store are always welcome, Daser said. To volunteer or make a donation appointment, call 778-574-1998. For more information, visit eversaferanch.ca.