Get ready, thrifters of Langford!
The largest Salvation Army Thrift Store on Vancouver Island is slated to open in Langford later this week on Thursday, June 6th, with a grand opening ribbon-cutting event taking place around 10 a.m. that day.
Similar to its other locations, the new 11,000-square-foot store, located near Westshore Town Centre at 975 Langford Parkway, will offer a diverse range of clothing and household items.
“The city of Langford is bustling with growth and development, and we are thrilled to be expanding our community outreach in the area to serve even more individuals and families,” said Ted Troughton, Managing Director at the Salvation Army Thrift Store.
“With the support of our guests, donors, employees, volunteers, and partners, the Westshore location will help us continue to uplift our local community together.”
According to the organization, in the last fiscal year alone, the Salvation Army Thrift Store raised an impressive $87,656 through its stores to support local communities across Vancouver Island.
Additionally, it provided over $164,724 worth of clothing and household items to more than 1,440 neighbours in need, free of charge.
“Thrifting with us is a win-win situation for the community, and we encourage everyone to visit us this Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to shop, donate, and learn more about what we do. It will be a day filled with excitement, refreshments, and, of course, the fab finds that everybody loves,” adds Troughton.
The new store offers a variety of gently used clothing, household items, electronics, art,
books and more for the whole family.
It has a dedicated donation section at the back of the store with easy access for donors, making donation drop-offs convenient. The store is open seven days a week.
This news comes just months after the company closed one of Victoria’s longstanding locations on Johnson Street.
The closure of the Johnson Street store holds significant historical weight.
The Salvation Army’s presence in Victoria dates back to 1897 when its first food and shelter facility, known as The Salvation Ark, opened on Cormorant Street.
See also: End of an era: Salvation Army Thrift Store in downtown Victoria set to permanently close
Over the years, the organization’s reach expanded, leading to the establishment of the Johnson Street location in 1918.
Initially serving as a shelter, it later evolved to include a thrift store and light industrial operation, providing employment opportunities for shelter residents.
The Victoria community witnessed further expansion in 1956 with the opening of Harbour Light on Yates Street, dedicated to the treatment of alcoholism in men.
Subsequent redevelopment in 1980 saw the demolition of the Johnson Street facility to pave the way for a more streamlined operation, incorporating the Harbour Lights Centre and a halfway house for men.
Renamed the ARC (Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre), the revamped facility has been a cornerstone of support for the community, housing 147 beds and offering services aimed at combating addiction.
Despite the closure of the Johnson Street thrift store, the ARC’s commitment to serving the community remains the same—the multipurpose facility makes every effort to give its residents the opportunity to live in a safe drug and alcohol-free environment.
