The VGH Thrift Store is a not-for-profit organization. Our goal is to run an efficient and fiscally responsible operation to raise funds in support of patients, clients and families served by Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), UBC Hospital and other facilities and community services of Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) in Vancouver.
To raise funds in support of patients, clients and families served by Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), UBC Hospital (UBCH) and other facilities and community services of Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) in Vancouver.
VISION
An engaged community where people’s health and life needs are fulfilled.
MISSION
We promote the quality of life and wellbeing of Vancouver Coastal Health Vancouver Coastal Health patients,, clients and residents through a variety of means, including:
- providing support for health–related programs in Vancouver;
- creating volunteer and career development opportunities for individuals in the store;
- reusing, recycling, and promoting environmental sustainability.
TIMELINE
Our Volunteers
Ranging in age from 15 to 76, our store’s 70 volunteers come from all walks of life, share a passion for potlucks and are the backbone of the one and only thrift store benefitting the VCH-Vancouver Community of Care. The team does just about everything — from loading and unloading furniture and donations.
VGH Thrift Store Society Board Directors
The VGH Thrift Store operates through the VGH Thrift Shop Society and with the leadership and support of our volunteer Board of Directors.
Meet our board members
Brian Jones
President 2014 – Present; Board member since 2011
We live in a wonderful but complex world where small actions, kind words and a helping hand can make all the difference. In my years volunteering at the VGH Thrift Store I’ve seen and experienced these many times and every time I have the same reaction: I’m genuinely happy that I’ve been able to make a small but meaningful difference in making someone’s day a little better be that a customer, donor, one of my volunteer colleagues or a hospital patient I’ll never meet but who’s life our support helped improve.
Juan Jose Cruz Martinez
Vice President 2022 - present; Board Member since 2020
Serving on the Society Board allows me to give back to the community, and make a difference by supporting the universal healthcare system and level of care many BC residents benefit from. There is also a great community around the store and we also had the opportunity to work on great initiatives providing joy and relief for the local folks during the winter months and Christmas season.
Susan Luckey
Treasurer 2012 – Present; Board member since 2012
I’m happy that as a member of the Board of the VGH Thrift Store I have the opportunity to use my experience to contribute to the community at a grassroots level.
John Kehinde Atoyebi
Secretary 2022 - present; Board Member since 2022
I joined the VGH Thrift Store Board as a member and the Secretary in June 2022. I see my membership as a way to advance the cause of humanity and make positive impacts in Canadian society. Supporting the VGH Thrift Store for me, will help put smiles on the faces of the people and improve their access to healthcare
Scott McCarten
Board Member since 2011; Former Vice President 2014 – 2022; Former President 2013 – 2014
Serving on the board has not only provided an opportunity for me to give back to the healthcare system that has given me so much, but also allowed me to stay connected with and give back to the people and communities that use our healthcare system.
Rachel Ram
Board Member since 2012
Being a board member for the VGH Thrift Store gives me a great sense of personal fulfilment. I feel that with all our combined hard work, we are making a small, but significant difference in other people’s lives in our community.
Sara Johnson
Board Member since 2014
Being on the VGH Thrift Store Board has allowed me the gift of seeing the power of service and volunteerism in such a different and more meaningful, light. The store’s staff and volunteers have done such a beautiful job of creating a vibrant and healthy community around them, and it unites all of us in gratitude to know that the store’s proceeds have helped fund equipment purchases, supplies and gifts for the VGH and UBC Hospitals and their patients.
Vivian Eliopoulos
Board Member since 2015
I love the Thrift Store and honoured to be able to give back to the community.
