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2010-05-28 - Habitat ReStore celebrates grand openingHabitat ReStore celebrates grand opening
By Mike Carson, Transcontinental Media
Source: The Journal Pioneer, May 17, 2010
[SUMMERSIDE, PE] — The community response to Habitat ReStore has been nothing short of phenomenal, says manager Jennifer Egan.
Although open for just over a month, the Summerside Habitat ReStore held its official opening over the weekend. The outlet raises funds for Habitat for Humanity.
“We had our soft opening on April 10 to get the community aware of our being here and now this is a welcome to the entire community and a thank you to all of our volunteers and to our community for accepting us and helping us become a success in this neighbourhood,” Egan said.
The outlet has been receiving donations of items including; construction goods, furniture, toys, sporting goods, siding for a house and a generator.
“We’ve really received a little bit of everything,” she said. “We have been very successful up to this point.”
The Habitat ReStore is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will accept donations any time during business hours.
Egan advices anyone wishing to donate to phone ahead to make sure the donation is suitable.
“We do not accept TVs or computers or box springs, mattresses or linen,” she said. “Pretty much everything else we’re good for.”
The key to the outlet’s success is its volunteer base.
“We have volunteers here of all ages,” she said. “We have a couple of grade school boys. We have some brand new volunteers. We have some returning volunteers. We do have quite a few volunteers who come in on a daily basis and on a weekly basis and we’re starting to see return customers, which is really impressive for only being open a month.”
Egan said there has been a parade of people pretty much non-stop since April. She said if they’re not buying something then they’re donating something.
Egan said along with the chance to pick up great bargains, patrons learn about Habitat for Humanity.
“Proceeds from the sale go to houses in P.E.I.,” Egan said. “So, the money stays in P.E.I. It doesn’t go international.”
Egan said one thing the customers can take home with them is the knowledge that while they are spending money at the Habitat ReStore that money is going to help someone in need.
ReStore will deliver purchases for a minimal fee and will pick donations free of charge.
Habitat ReStore is located in the Nu-City Plaza at 640 Water Street. Anyone wishing to make a donation can call the store at 432-7610 or email summersiderestore@habitatpei.com
