Adult and Teen Challenge (ATC) in Brandon celebrated the opening of their brand new thrift store this past weekend. 

The Brandon Super Thrift officially opened its doors after running a soft opening over the past two months.

“We had our grand opening after having an amazing couple of months of having our doors open and having the people of Brandon just really welcome us there," said Kim Lowes, director of the ATC Women's Centre in Brandon.

The thrift store comes shortly after the construction of a brand new women's centre was completed, doubling the capacity of women. Lowes said the team was looking for another way to fundraise for the centre and a thrift store just fit. 

The store is staffed by women in the ATC program, with help from four men who are part of another ATC program in Brandon.

“That girl right there that you're rubbing shoulders with, that is where (the) money that you're spending or where your donation is going," Lowes explained. “It's a great thing to watch."

The money spent and donations made to the store go directly to helping the women of the program. Lowes notes the people in Brandon love knowing that, as well as knowing their money stays in the community.

“It's been awesome to watch the girls get an opportunity to work in the store and gain some life skills," Lowes said.

The store is opened six days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and staffed entirely by ATC participants and staff members. Lowes says there are very few places where you get to directly interact with the people you are supporting.