ReStore provides a 'good deal' more for the Kamloops community

Thrift stores generally offer great value for money.

But when one can also help make a difference in the community, then you’re likely describing the ReStore run by Habitat for Humanity Kamloops.

Located at 1425 Cariboo Pl. #28 it has a wide variety of goods — from home decor and furniture to appliances and construction materials — all of which when sold help Habitat build affordable housing for families, veterans, and seniors in need.

“Working here, it’s so fulfilling,” says store manager Charlene Bradley who joined the ReStore this spring. “You’re not making huge amounts of money for a corporation to buy the CEO Learjets. You’re hands-on raising money in the community to provide people with housing, giving them a hand up.”

Aside from being able to provide great deals for customers at the ReStore, Bradley said she enjoys telling Habitat’s story to those who may not be familiar with the organization.

“Some are young, international students who have heard about the store because they need to set up their apartment, and it’s so great to share the vision of Habitat with them and let them know that every nickel coming through here helps build housing for people who need it,” Bradley says.

She added the community is also extremely generous when it comes to donations to the store — something which warms her heart and is at the root of her desire to work for a non-profit organization.

“When I read what Habitat’s mission statement was, what it does and what their goals were, I applied for the job and was blessed enough that I got it.”

Bradley lived in nearby Logan Lake for 48 years but sold her home there in 2018 and moved to Kamloops.

“I always wanted to live in Kamloops,” she said, adding that as a youngster she took the bus into the city to for high school and was a frequent visitor to watch the Kamloops Chiefs play in the Western Canada Hockey League at the “old red barn” in downtown Kamloops.

“I wish I would have found this job way early in my career because I would have been here 40 years … It’s just so rewarding.”