What is this obsession we all have about NEW? Why does our happiness thrive on the act of consumption? Our society is all about buying, buying, buying. Stop and think for a minute. Maybe you don't NEED that expensive sweater. Is it really worth 60 dollars? Now slowly set it down. Back away. Actually, just leave the mall altogether. Allow me to introduce you to my friend, The Thrift Store.
Before you make any assumptions, thrift store shopping isn't as easy as you might think. Don't just sidle in there and expect to find exactly what you are looking for within 5 minutes. Be patient. There is an art to it that you will learn over time. It involves hours of intense searching if you really are desperate for one particular item. But if you just feel like lightening your wallet then your job is much easier. But be warned: you will most likely never buy what you went in there intending to buy. If you go in hoping to find a new skirt, chances are you'll walk away with a frying pan, (Been there, done that). But once you hone your thrift store shopping skills, you might actually find some sort of article of clothing during your search for a skirt. But I can't make any promises.
The search begins the moment you step in the doors. Pretend you are an expert at thrift store shopping and it will begin to feel more natural. Get over the fact that other people have worn these clothes. The world won't end if you wear something *GASP* previously worn! It will all be okay. There is this
magical thing called laundry detergent and it generally cleans clothes. After that is the easy part. Throw yourself into the task as if it is going to solve everything from world hunger to that homework assignment that was due a few months ago. Search the racks of clothing and flip through the books and dig through the CDs and fiddle with the kitchen items until you find something, anything that catches your eye. The most exciting part is when you find something; a sweater or a scarf or a new mug, and you check the tag and it probably costs the same as a can of pop from the vending machine. That is the part where you jump up and down excitedly because you can afford it! And it's awesome! And no one would ever even be able to guess that it came from a thrift store, and even if they did who cares!
All items in thrift stores have this extra bit of character that just can't be found in a mall. One time I found a necklace for 25 cents that was made out of wood and metal and had "England-Oct 1963-Love, Steve" engraved on the back. I realized after that it looks like it's actually made out of wood and plastic.. but it gave it more character. All I could picture was a cute love story in England where maybe the boy wanted to give the girl a really nice gift but all he could afford was that plastic necklace and so he bought it and engraved the back and hoped she wouldn't notice that it was made out of plastic. And then they lived happily ever after. Or so I like to imagine. But just the thought that this necklace has travelled all the way from England from so long ago is quite amazing. Everything in a thrift store has a story behind it. Although I don't know the stories, they can be fun to imagine, and it makes me feel more connected to others. "Recycling" these items feels so good and rewarding, especially since some stores donate their money to places like shelters or the local hospital. Also, a lot of thrift stores have vintage and even designer items that sell for dirt cheap. Why spend 40 dollars on something when you could spend 4? Shopping at a thrift store is a win-win-win situation for everybody. You just can't go wrong.
Here is a complete list of my favourite thrift stores in Maple Ridge, B.C.
1) Ridge Meadows Hospital Auxiliary- Economy Cottage
This store may look small when you first step inside, but do not be fooled. Once you look around it is easy to find a million things that will be calling your name. All of the money goes to the Ridge Meadows Hospital, and the store is run by a group of cute old ladies who generously volunteer their time to help out the hospital. It is located at 22264 Dewdney Trunk Road.
2) Cythera Thrift Store- Persephone Project
Definately one of my favourite thrift stores, the Cythera Thrift Store is much bigger with a wide selection of clothing, books, CDs, dishes, fabric, and other random things. It is great because all the net proceeds from the sales go towards funding Cythera Programs, helping women who have been abused. It is, once again, entirely run by volunteers. Help support an excellent cause by shopping here! It is located at 140-22255 Dewdney Trunk Road.
3) Ridge Meadows Hospice Society Thrift Store
Money from this store is also donated to the Ridge Meadows Hosital. Great selection! Located at 12011 224 Street.
3) Ridge Meadows Hospice Society Thrift Store
Money from this store is also donated to the Ridge Meadows Hosital. Great selection! Located at 12011 224 Street.
4) Bible For Missions- Ridge Meadows
This store is neat because of its religious aspect. It started with the Bible League of Canada's sponsored trip to India, where they became inspired to do something to help others. They came up with the idea of thrift stores across the country that promote the strength of Christianity, contribute to Bible distribution work in India, and donate to the Bible League of Canada. Volunteers are working together to ''demonstrate the love of Christ'' not only to our community, but to people across the country. The Maple Ridge location is at 22535 Lougheed Highway.
5) The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides assistance for emergency disaster services,
community and family services,
family tracing services, sends kids to camp,
street youth services, homeless services
, addictions services, palliative care, services for the mentally and physically challenged, corrections and justice, and young parent resource centres. It is It is an amazing organization and is the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada. Enough said. It is located by the ABC Country Restaurant on Lougheed Highway, near Staples.
6) Value Village
6) Value Village
We all know this one. It helps with our community and has a very wide selection of clothing, books, etc. However, I don't find that you really get what you pay for. A lot of their clothes are just your typical plain clothes, except they are used and slightly cheaper. Not to discourage anyone though, whatever floats your boat, and it is still a good store. Located at 11998 207 Street.
