Big Country Thrift Store serving Oyen for nine years
This year marks the ninth year Big Country Thrift Store (BCTS) has been serving the people in Oyen and area. The store's manager, Tracy Hudson, has been there from the very beginning when it was housed in a much smaller facility before being moved to a larger space.
The BCTS does not have paid staff, but over the years, it has had many volunteers from a very supportive community, for which BCTS is very thankful. Shirley Holland is the longest-serving individual and has volunteered since the store opened. Volunteers on the board of BCTS represent each of the churches in Oyen.
Back Row (L-R): Catherine Holland, Leann Hartman, Tracy Hudson, Chris Hudson, Jesse Battrum, Shirley Parks, Brad Broadhead, Shirley Holland. Front Row (L-R): Cynty Kolkman, Vicki Smale, Jane Kitchen, Imogene Hauck
CHEERS TO VOLUNTEERS! Shirley Holland has been volunteering at the Big Country Thrift Store in Oyen from its inception in 2015.
Click for larger images and captions
BCTS has a great working relationship with the RCMP and FCSS, who both have access to the store in emergency situations, when the store provides essentials. Through FCSS, the store raises money for Tools 4 Schools every summer when all sales plus matching donations from the board go towards school supplies. BCTS was happy to be able to donate $1000 to each. The store also provides winter attire to school students free of charge to those in need. Supporting and giving back to the community is always a priority.
BCTS continues to work with OPS as well as the CTF Program. Chris Hudson is an adult volunteer with Autism who volunteers as a janitor and helps with the store's window display.
Anyone is welcome to volunteer. Just contact Tracy Hudson on FB messenger or stop in at the store, and you can discuss the days and times you wish to volunteer.
Volunteers who feel comfortable working at the till will do so for a two-hour shift. BCTS prefers to have two volunteers for each shift if possible but will open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as long as there is a volunteer present who can work the till. BCTS does not have Interac.
Volunteers do not have to work at the till if they don't want to. There are many other tasks, including sorting and organizing clothing donations and accepting donations on Thursdays. There are volunteers who drop off donations to other stores like Value Village, with whom BCTS has a great working relationship. Salvation Army in Medicine Hat will accept donations in six months' time. Any donated electrical items are given away free to anyone who can use them.
Items at the store are affordably priced in order for everyone to be able to find a treasure right where they live. The only goal the store has is to pay the bills, rent, expenses and utilities. Funds above and beyond expenses are used to assist those in need or help out with events that are short on funds. Recently, BCTS had a day when all the sales were donated to the Legion Hall to assist with candy bags from Santa.
Every Christmas season, during a 4-week period, customers can enter once a day to win $25 in Chamber Bucks, which are drawn every Friday. This also helps support local businesses. This year, Del Pratt donated four of his books as a second prize. Chamber bucks are also given to BCTS volunteers as a token of appreciation.
Volunteers are essential in the daily operations at the store. A phone list of volunteers helps to fill spots when regular volunteers have appointments or are away or a regular volunteer is no longer able to contribute. It's also good to have volunteers who can help on donation day. Volunteers who take items to other stores are needed, even if you can only take a few boxes or bags; everything helps.
People volunteer for different reasons ... to help out, give back to the community, or as a social activity to get out of the house. Whatever the reason, their help is appreciated, and they are welcome at BCTS.