Richmond Hospital Healthcare Auxiliary Thrift Store is getting back with a brand new look to raise money for healthcare services in Richmond.
The thrift shop - run by the auxiliary at the corner of Chatham Street and Second Avenue - is finally reopening to the public on Aug. 15 after almost six months of renovation.
The 123-year-old building is a former church, which the auxiliary took over more than two years ago.
"We have levelled the building, put a new floor in, updated the electric and plumbing. (We’ve also) put a new bathroom in, printed the inside and so on," said Ursula Van Duin, president of the auxiliary, adding that the renovation will offer Richmondites a glimpse into what the store looks like before and after.
When the store reopens this coming Saturday, there will also be restrictions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.
"People have to mask up and use hand sanitizers. There will be arrows on the floors to keep everyone moving in the right direction. Most of our volunteers working there are over 65 and older, we have to be extremely careful and follow all the rules to make it as safe as possible for all volunteers," said Van Duin.
As a heritage building, the store was originally a church built in 1894 and has become a symbol for the Steveston community ever since.
But the 123-year-old building was falling apart due to lack of care, when the auxiliary purchased it two years ago to start the restoration process.
The interior renovation work has been done first, while the outer will have to wait, since auxiliary ran out of money.
"It will look exactly the same as it did in 1894 when the building will be finished from the outside," said Van Duin.
And the funding for restoration comes from different sources, including Sunday sales and donations from the local community, explained Van Duin, noting that the City of Richmond also gave the auxiliary $150,000 towards the building's interior renovation.
Meanwhile, hundreds of volunteers from the auxiliary are working hard to fundraise for Richmond hospital, as well as the nursing homes.
"We are buying equipment and supporting different healthcare programs for the hospital, such as setting up a dental clinic for the elderly and providing music therapy programs. The sole purpose is to make a difference in the patient's life," said Van Duin.
The thrift shop on Chatham Street will be open from noon on Saturday.
