VGH Thrift Store clothes patients in need

Above photo: Volunteer Shera Fisk delivers clothing from the Emergency Clothing Program to VGH patients in need.

When Shera Fisk delivered a simple but clean outfit to a Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) patient preparing for discharge, the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) volunteer was touched by his response.

“He was so, so thankful,” she says of the patient whose only clothing was a hospital gown and pajamas. “Volunteering at VGH is an incredible opportunity and making that delivery is exactly the type of kindness that I want to be part of.”

Thanks to the VGH Thrift Store, Shera can look forward to delivering more clothing and kindnesses. The store has made a $2,000 donation to the Emergency Clothing Program benefitting VGH, UBC Hospital and GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre patients in need.

Operated by Volunteer Resources, the Emergency Clothing Program provides clothing staples — from underwear to shoes — to discharging patients who otherwise have nothing to wear. Patients may be homeless or their clothing upon admission may be unwearable for a number of reasons. Some patients may reside out of town.

“The Emergency Clothing Program fills a gap,” says Barb Boman, coordinator, Volunteer Resources. “While it allows patients in need to discharge with dignity, it also supports timely discharge and bed turnover for new patients.”

The VGH Thrift Store’s donation to the Emergency Clothing Program is just one example of the store’s many recent donations. Total donations towards VCH-Vancouver acute and community services in 2017 exceeded $68,000.

VGH Thrift Store appreciates your support

Store donations benefitting VCH-Vancouver patients, clients and residents wouldn’t be possible without your support. The VGH Thrift Store welcomes your clothing, books and other household items for resale. Please drop off donations during store hours only.

Store hours: Mon – Sat 10 to 5 pm; Sun 1 to 5 pm
Address: 2535 E. Hastings St.
Phone: 604.876.3731