Giving items and people a second chance: Teen Challenge Super Thrift exceeding all expectations

Brandon’s Adult and Teen Challenge Super Thrift store opened their doors 1 ½ years ago and haven’t looked back, 2019 being a fantastic year for everyone participating in the program.

“It’s exceeded all my expectations in ways that I wasn’t even anticipating,” says Kim Lowes, Director of Women’s Ministries at the Brandon Teen Challenge. “Obviously we have a centre that we try and run to help women with addiction and so the thrift store seemed like a natural fit as far as helping us raise money to try and support the women who come to us.”

“But, what it’s done for our program is probably the best thing we’ve ever done because our women get a chance to come here each and every day, learn teamwork, learn customer skills, learn retail skills that they’re going to be able to take with them when they leave.”

“It gives them a sense of purpose and builds their confidence,” she adds. “It gives them self-perseverance to just keep going, and doing what they’re doing. We’ve had women who’ve said, ‘I think I can hold down a job and help my kids.’”

Ministry in the store

Being in the heart of Brandon, Lowes says they have people walk through their doors every day who could use their program. “Our students will take the time and stop whatever they are doing to pray for people. I’ve done interviews right in this building for people who might need our program. It’s pretty amazing!”

Going into 2020, Lowes says they’re expecting to continue growing and expanding. Currently, Adult and Teen Challenge has 15 women living at their housing facility. “We are constantly filling our house with more and more women and so there will continue to be need of the thrift store. Aaron and his team here do an amazing job of keeping it fresh and changing things up.”

“We have our auctions, 50 per cent off sale days and they’re always changing the floor to always keep people’s interests here so come and do your treasure hunting at the Super Thrift!”

Store Manager, Aaron Murray, says there is always a need for volunteers to help with a variety of tasks. From sorting to fixing items to picking up donations, they are always looking for extra hands.

When asked what items the store could use on the floor, Lowes says furniture is at the top of the list.

“We’ll take almost anything and everything, but we are always looking for used furniture. We have a lot of people coming to us looking for that kind of thing and it can really be a help to people living in the core of Brandon. Lots of students will come and look for things like that.”

“We always love clothes and we always love your knick-knacks and your kitchen-ware, but your furniture is definitely what we’re looking for too.”

Lowes expresses her appreciation for the public that has shown their support over the past 18 months. “A huge thank you for how folks have come alongside us and said, ‘Hey, we believe in what you guys do and we’re willing to donate.’”

“But then I also want to share my heartfelt cry out there,” she says. “If anybody needs help, come and touch base with us. Come into the store, we have applications here. Give us a call or look us up online because we’re here to help.”