A Chatham-Kent thrift store is celebrating its second win this year, as this month's donations were more than $100,000.
The store, located at 220 Queen Street in Chatham, is operated by and entirely dependent on a team of volunteers. In addition to providing second-hand items, NewLIFEThrift is a fundraiser for Chatham Christian School.
It donates 10 per cent of its profits to the community monthly to a registered charity in Chatham-Kent.
Since opening in June 2020, NewLIFE has given money to 36 agencies, some of which have received multiple donations.
Carol Dieleman, the board chair of NewLIFE, says this month focuses on conductive education and she is excited to be donating to the SWONT Conductive Education Optimist Club's summer program.
Dieleman says a donation is made to a local registered charity each month based on that particular month's focus.
"We have to rely 100 percent on our communities' help," said Christa Devolder, a volunteer coordinator at NewLife. "We bring in specifically trained conductive trained teachers from an Institute in Hungry, where the program originated, and we are the only Southwest facility offering Conductive Education."
Devolder has been volunteering with SWONT since 1996. She says the money donated will help provide children with comprehensive care, self-sufficiency, independence, and academic skills.
Chatham-Kent residents can make donations during store hours, which are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information about SWONT's Conductive Education Program, visit their website at www.conductiveeducation.com or call 519-384-5421.
