Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s CEO Yolanda Meijer is excited to announce a third location of ReStore.
“It’s all about generating the revenue to cover all of the operational overhead for the organization,” says Meijer.
“We raise funds, like any charity does, to do that, and one of the most amazing ways that we raise funds is through our social enterprise, the ReStore.”
“The net surplus beyond that goes into our build fund to help us buy land and build houses, to help lower-income families get access to affordable home ownership.”
The 12,000 square foot retail space is undergoing what Jim Walker, Director of Retail Operations at Habitat Victoria calls a “facelift.”
“These windows here will be uncovered so that people can see into the store from the street,” says Walker, pointing to exterior windows which are currently opaque. “We want to welcome people into the space.”
Staff and volunteers will also paint grateful messages along a wall above that same set of windows, “to remind visitors that everything we sell is donated, that we need their support to exist, and that in our community, Habitat does good things for people,” says Walker.
Meijer is also excited about upcoming builds for the non-profit organization.
“Any day now,” says Meijer “we’re going to have a shovel in the ground in Central Saanich. As part of a 20-unit development, we were donated a lot by the developer, and through the municipality, and next year we’re super excited to be starting a 10-unit project in North Saanich.”
Those 10 units are also to be built on land donated by the developer.
Of course, donating or shopping at ReStore is just one way to support Habitat Victoria.
You can also volunteer at ReStore, or on a build.
And you can also, as of Nov.17, check out the upcoming Gingerbread Showcase at Parkside Hotel and Spa.
Exciting times for staff and volunteers at Habitat Victoria, starting with ReStore’s grand opening at 50 Burnside Road West on Oct. 27.
Veronica Cooper
