Page 9 - Giv'er Miramichi Magazine - Fall Giver 2024

Giving Back Through Thrifting:

The Miramichi River Valley Community Thrift Store

by Lois Vickers

The Miramichi River Valley
Community Thrift Store was created out
of a love of thrifting and a desire to be
involved with the community. It began
with six retired women who had
volunteered at another second-hand
store that had previously closed. The
women, Jill Airhart, Penny Siddall,
Doris Coughlan, Lorraine Underhill,
Lou Curtis and Beatrice Hogan met for
lunch one day and as they reminisced
about how they missed working together
and interacting with the public, the idea
was born to start their own thrift shop.
Another meeting was held, with A meeting of the Miramichi River Valley Community Thrift Store volunteers.
more women invited, and the decision
was made to call mayor Kevin Russell rummage sale. The step at the entrance Secretary/Treasurer. Volunteers not yet
to see what space might be available in was in need of repair and Danny mentioned here, including past, present,
the area. Mayor and council thought it Underhill replaced it and put on a and seasonal, are Joan Underhill, Marie
was a great idea and Sharon Vickers, railing, no charge. Saunders, Linda Coughlan, Doreen
counselor in charge of buildings, In May 2024 the business number Stewart, Fran Beet, Jean Curtis, Rhoda
suggested the old firehall in Renous. It was approved and Miramichi River Manderville and Christine Saunders.
had an empty bay, room for storage, and Valley Community Thrift Store became The store is open Wednesday,
an adjoining kitchen and washroom – official. Money raised from the store Thursday, and Friday, 10am to 3pm, and
perfect for their needs. covers operating expenses and all staff the last Saturday of each month at 29
With Sharon and the council’s are non-paid volunteers. The group Schofield Street in Renous. Cash sales
guidance and the help of a lawyer, a plans to make regular donations to local only. Donations are accepted during
business plan was created, directors causes and this month they were happy open hours.
were named, and they applied for non- to donate $500 to the Miramichi SPCA. Follow and like Miramichi River
profit status. The board of directors are Lois Valley Thrift Store on Facebook, to stay
Word quickly spread among family Vickers – Chair, Lorraine Underhill - up to date on sales and specials,
and friends, and donations began to HR Coordinator, and Penny Siddall- including their Christmas sale.
come in. Folklore Park donated their
half and half draw, Blackville Home
Hardware gave paint and supplies, and
people donated money. Before long the
women were busy cleaning and painting
the bay, ordering shelves and signing up
more volunteers.
One of the new volunteers, Marie
Beres’s husband and son are carpenters
and volunteered to put up shelves, fix
doorknobs, and find racks for the
clothing. The Renous Catholic Women’s
League (CWL) donated 8 tables, and the
Anglican Church Women (ACW)
donated clothes, household items, books The thrift store is operated by volunteers and sells gently-used clothing & accessories for
and Christmas decorations from their men, women and children, bedding, linens, household items, dishes, decor, toys and more!

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