The town of Reston, Man. has an extraordinary shop of good, clean, quality clothing and household items that people generously donate on a daily basis. Hidden Treasures is located on Reston’s main street and is operated by the St. John’s Anglican Church members. The quaint little thrift shop with many volunteers with helping hands and big hearts has been in business since April 21, 2016.
“Even though this was a new venture for our small group, we previously had 25 plus years of experience holding semi-annual thrift sales in the Parish Hall,” says Sheila Perreault, long time member with the St. John’s Anglican Church committee. “At the opening of the store, there were some empty spaces on the shelves and thus every bag and box of donations that came in the door was immediately unpacked, inspected and put out for sale and at that time there was even time to dust the shelves!”
A drop-off bin was installed at the back of the store for anonymous donors and as the community warmly welcomed the addition of the new little store, the quantity of donations multiplied and customers came to browse and buy.
As space allows, new items are gradually added to the shelves and when a clothing overflow begins, the store will hold a “Bag Day”. Customers are allowed to fill a big blue garbage bag for ten dollars. It can be filled to the brim with clothing and shoes. An excess of clothing is neatly packed and sent to charity shops in Brandon, while bedding and other linens with wear and tear are culled out, cut into squares and sold as rags.
Even in the midst of the Pandemic donations still flooded in and the items were unpacked, sorted and ready for fresh inventory when the doors could be opened again.
Hidden Treasures and the church parish also participate in the Town Wide Garage Sales and Santa Sunday. “In February, which is reading month, we had scads of children come to purchase a bag of books for only one dollar.”
Over the five years of operation, Hidden Treasures income has grown far more than they expected. Not only have they been able to keep their doors open to their little church up the street, they have also been able to make over 20 monetary donations yearly to groups and causes that need a boost. Vouchers are also available for those families in need of clothing and other items in the store.
All this has been possible by the wonderful support they have received through donations and those shopping at the store.
“We sincerely want to thank everyone for their support and generosity,” adds Sheila.
