The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Shop will remain closed at least until the end of March.
“This is a decision based on the number of COVID-19 cases in the Cowichan Valley and the proposed dates for vaccinations,” noted Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary president Diana Lenihan in a recent statement.
“The majority of the auxiliary members are 75+ and we want to keep them safe until they have had their vaccinations.
“We appreciate your continued understanding and support. Please hold onto your generous donations for us.”
The past year has been difficult for everyone and no different for devoted Thrift Shop volunteers who work so hard to ensure large donations are realized for medical needs.
Related story: Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary extends thrift shop closure
A timeline of the past year pertaining to the Thrift Shop:
March 16, 2020 – Safety of volunteers, staff, customers and donors cited in closing the doors.
May 25, 2020 – Re-opened for donations only, closed within five days. Renovations not complete, leaving nowhere to put items after a 72-hour holdover. Closed the gates.
June 7, 2020 – Ability to manoeuvre around renovations and worked on container and sorting.
July 2, 2020 – Donations started off three days a week and opened to the public. Donations became Monday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
December 5, 2020 – Closed again to protect volunteers, staff, customers and donors.
Opening during the year was restricted to five months.
“It’s been a long haul for all, but standing here now and looking back over the long road we have travelled, and the road on which we are travelling on now towards re-opening, the distance is attainable and I feel a new sense of hope in fulfilling our auxiliary,” noted Lenihan in a statement.
The auxiliary provides huge financial support to areas within the health care community. There’s unfortunately no way to make up for the lost time and funds.
“When we feel the risk of COVID-19 has been lessened and we are ready to re-open the shop, we will need our volunteers,” Lenihan added. “Until that time the shop will have to remain closed.”