VGH Thrift Store volunteers rock!

Like a skipping stone bouncing across the water, every volunteer action makes a direct impact. From our VGH Thrift Store, the ripples spread to encircle and benefit patients, clients and residents across Vancouver.

“I’m inspired every day by the commitment our volunteers make to help raise funds for Vancouver hospitals and services,” says James Ferrier, VGH Thrift Store manager. “I’m so proud of how our volunteers make this store a cheery place, and for how much they accomplish to help make the store a financial success.”

Our volunteers do it all

No job is too big – or too messy – for VGH Thrift Store volunteers Varun (left) and Dong, who helped to paint the wall behind the cash desk.

“Volunteers are the store’s backbone,” says Angela Kwan, part-time volunteer coordinator. “We depend on their selfless spirit and endless energy to maintain daily operations and generate much-needed funds for medical equipment and other services.”

Ranging in age from 15 to 75, VGH Thrift Store volunteers come from all walks of life and almost half have volunteered for anywhere from two to ten years. The team does just about everything — from loading and unloading furniture and donations — sometimes in the cold and rain — to organizing sale displays, bagging purchases and vacuuming. Volunteers, says Angela, regularly “go above and beyond.”

Thanks to our volunteers, the VGH Thrift Store disburses at least $30,000 each year to fund equipment, projects, services and events at VGH, UBC Hospital, GF Strong and other Vancouver facilities. Our patients, clients and residents benefit in so many ways — and so do our volunteers.