SuperThrift helps turn clutter into compassion

Decluttering and simplifying our homes is very much in vogue (looking at you, Marie Kondo). And this spring, if you are currently engaged in the “life-changing magic of cleaning up,” you’ll be familiar with the ubiquitous three-box method of household mess management: fill one box for garbage, one box to be put away, and one box for giveaway.

It’s that third box that can do some real good when you donate it to SuperThrift, located at 127 Seventh Street in Brandon.

The thrift-to-thrive ethos is a virtuous circle. By donating still serviceable items to a thrift store, affordable goods are made available to everyone, those looking to save some money and those who are on limited budgets. It keeps useful items in the re-use cycle and out of the landfill. It provides employment in the store itself.

The proceeds from donations and sales at SuperThrift can help others to thrive. That’s a worthwhile consideration, and one to keep in mind during Mental Health Week in Canada, from May 5-11.

“All the proceeds from SuperThrift, whether you’re donating or shopping, directly support the Adult & Teen Challenge addiction programs in Brandon,” says Keith Stewart, regional development director at Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada (teenchallenge.tc).

SuperThrift stores are run by a combination of staff and students who are participating in Adult & Teen Challenge recovery programs.

“Adult & Teen Challenge is a Christian, not-for-profit organization with a mission to provide a full range of addiction treatment and recovery programs with compassion and excellence,” says Stewart.

The non-profit’s central Canada region stretches from Thunder Bay into Saskatchewan with five in-residence treatment campuses, eight community offices, five SuperThrift stores and a vehicle donation program.

“The thrift stores and vehicle donations are micro-enterprises that help to sustain our programs,” says Stewart.

He says one key benefit for program students working at the SuperThrift is workplace experience.

“They’re contributing on a daily basis and it’s an important part of their journey and their recovery. It also helps to sustain the thrift operation,” he says.

As of 2019, approximately 21 per cent of Canadians met the criteria for addiction during their lifetimes. Stewart says the people that Adult & Teen Challenge serve are from all walks of life.

“Our clientele are individuals struggling with all forms of addiction. We have individuals coming to us who have lost everything — who are homeless, who are estranged from family. Some may be functioning in their profession but are looking for help with their addictions. We really do have individuals from across the community,” he says.

In Brandon, the in-residence Teen Challenge Brandon Women’s Centre, currently serving 14 clients, has operated since 2016 and can offer up to a year-long program.

“We have an assessment process at first point of contact. Depending on the needs of the individual, we will design the best course of action for them. We also offer community based facilitated programs like Ready Now Recovery out of our community offices,” he says.

Adult & Teen Challenge also offers a concerned persons group, a community-based program for the families of the addiction-affected person, or those close to them, who need some support themselves if the person isn’t ready for help.

“That’s something that I think is unique to Teen Challenge,” he says.

For those seeking help, they can call 1-888-822-9992 for the central intake. For families, there’s also information on the website at teenchallenge.tc.

“Calling those numbers will connect you with a community office and a community support worker who will help assess your needs,” says Stewart.

“We have all age ranges, from teens through to seniors, so people from all stages of life are welcome.”

If you’re ready to donate, clothing and other small items can be brought to the SuperThrift during regular store hours. Clothing and fabric items should be clean and in good repair. To arrange for furniture pick-up and other donation pick-up, call them at 204-441-0240. For more details and sale specials, and information about fundraising events and the vehicle donation program, go to the website or their Facebook page.

Stewart says they also organize Teen Challenge fundraising events, and donors can become a partner of Teen Challenge with a monthly contribution.

With spring comes new beginnings, and the thrift-to-thrive ethos can make a real contribution to the lives of addiction-affected people in the community.

“We all understand that addiction is greatly impacting all of our communities and these programs are important,” says Keith Stewart.

“They’re putting hope within reach for those individuals and their families.”

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