Vernon Animal Auxiliary Thrift Store is getting bigger in more ways than one

Photo: Contributed

Vernon Animal Auxiliary Thrift Store is expanding its programs and moving a new location.

The Vernon Animal Auxiliary Thrift Store is getting bigger in more ways than one.

The auxiliary, which has been operating from a building behind Diner on Six, is on the move to a bigger location.

Gena Barzan, who runs the auxiliary, said the move will be to 3100A 29th Ave., where the Spotted Goat used to be located.

“It's a little bit cheaper, it's a larger space and the owners will be donating a little back every six months to the disaster relief fund,” Barzan said.

The auxiliary will open in their new location on Oct. 27 with a grand opening planned for Dec. 1.

The auxiliary is dedicated to helping people and animals not only in a time of crisis, but year round and they are expanding a program for seniors.

Last Christmas, the auxiliary provided hampers to 54 seniors who were struggling financially. They also help seniors on a weekly basis with a variety of donations.

The auxiliary is now working with the Lake Country and Vernon food banks to provide hampers with food and other items to seniors on the last Thursday of each month.

“The auxiliary will offer membership cards to those who are 60 and older, who are renting and are having a hard time,” Barzan said, adding to get the membership card, seniors must provide a proof of pension.

The program will have a cap of 52 seniors.

To sign up for the program, seniors need to see Barzan at the new location after Oct. 27.

Barzan said the auxiliary could use a little help itself with financial and material donations to continue its many programs.

“We could use some help,” Barzan said adding e-transfers can be made to [email protected].

A list of needed material items can be found on the auxiliary Facebook page.