New signs adorning the windows and sitting above the entry of Pearl's Value and Vintage thrift shop on Cleveland Avenue not only welcome customers but also highlight the immensely important role the store plays in the community. Store manager Kate Harvey says she hopes the signage will help to dispel the myth that the store is privately owned and send the message that all proceeds are directed to the many programs run by the non-profit Howe Sound Women's Centre (HSWC).
It's all part of the transformation the store has undertaken in the past year, said Sheila Allen, HSWC executive director. The store now covers more than 4,000 square feet, enabling it to sell furniture in addition to clothes and household items.
"Revamping Pearl's has allowed us to do two things - one is to be able to expand the amount of items that we are able to keep out of the landfill and offer to consumers, but it's also allowed us to increase some of the revenue base so we're able to help more clients as our drop-in centre becomes busier," Allen said.
The HSWC drop-in centre receives approximately 3,500 visits per year and offers support to women fleeing violence, dispenses legal advice, referrals to various resources and information on preparing for income tax.
"And of course in today's economic times, that's when the need is even greater and the money is even tighter so we're really thankful that Pearl's has been so successful... so that we are able to give more to people that come in," Allen said.
A testament to the dedication of its volunteers, Pearl's was founded in 2000 from a small space run entirely by volunteers to help raise money for the women's centre transition house and has now evolved into a bustling social enterprise.
Allen pointed out that having a couple of paid staff helps to provide jobs for 撸奶社区as well as providing ongoing volunteer opportunities, making it a multi-faceted program.
Harvey is one of those staff.
Hired as store manager in 2011, she says she embraced the concept of the expansion of Pearl's from Day 1.
"It was pretty obvious from the beginning whenever we got a piece of furniture, it was hard to accept it because of the small space, but I could see clearly that's where the profits were," she said.
She admits it was a risk for the women's centre to take on the project.
"It was a doubling of costs but here we are just over a year later and I feel it was definitely a good decision... it's the furniture side which has given us the success to keep everything else flowing."
The grand opening took place on July 1, 2011 and a month later local designer Melanie Anne Bitner helped design a new logo and a new name emerged as well - Pearl's Value and Vintage.
"So we had this great name and great logo but with no money to launch it, so it was sitting stagnant," explained Harvey, adding it was exciting to be able to make budget a few months ago, allowing for the launch to take place, including the signs.
"It was important to me to show that we are one big store at the storefront, because for those who don't know us, it's a bit deceiving from the street. And another big part of the signage that we're really excited about is the link to the women's centre," she said, noting that interior signage will be added which will explain more clearly where the profits go.
Volunteers are the driving force behind Pearl's success, she said.
In fact, in August, volunteer Elinor Faveris celebrated 10 years with Pearl's.
"The volunteers have really been the heart and soul of Pearl's and we are so grateful that we have such a dedicated, incredibly hard-working team. Some of them give us three days a week and they treat it like a normal job and they are really invested in the success of Pearl's."
She added that there is a definite community feeling within the establishment.
"It's more than just a thrift store," she said.
Added Allen: "The need is overwhelming in the community so we're really thankful to the people who donate their time and goods to Pearl's - it does make a big difference."
