GLACE BAY, N.S. — Jeannette MacDonald is busy getting everything ready for the soft opening of the new used clothing, furniture and household goods store at the Morrison Campus Y's Men's Centre.
The centre is under the umbrella of the Glace Bay Y's Men's and Y's Women's Club.
Part of a new fundraising endeavour to raise needed funds for a new furnace and improved heating system, MacDonald said they've received so many donations they will be offering goods in five or six different rooms.
For example, there are prom gowns, baby and toddler clothes, shoes, suits and adult clothing — some of it is brand new with tags still in place. Two large brown wooden desks are available for sale, along with jewelry, dishes and toys.
"We're trying to help people who are low income and might not have enough money to get the things they need, while also trying to raise enough money for a heating system that will warm the gymnasium first, then the whole building," said MacDonald, who is also in the process of registering a women's group in Glace Bay.
Retro Gains, a used clothing store in Glace Bay that recently closed, has donated more than 50 large garbage bags of product to the new venture and MacDonald said they are grateful for all the community support.
"We're hoping if we get enough people interested (in what we have for sale) we'll be able to open seven days a week," said MacDonald, who also helps at Town Centre Bowling Lanes.
Currently, the Y's Men's and Y's Women's Club is focusing its fundraising on getting a new furnace which will mainly heat the gym, which has become busy with Tuesday night bingos, birthday party bookings, weddings and floor hockey leagues.
Because the old furnace doesn't work properly, MacDonald said they aren't able to stay open throughout the winter and this limits the amount of revenue the charity organization has to provide programs and to cover operational costs.
"In order for us to keep the building going and do what we've been doing (in the community) we need to keep the revenues coming in to keep it sustainable," explained MacDonald.
To check out what is available for sale or to make a donation to the new used clothing/furniture depot, drop by the Morrison Campus Y's Men's Centre between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays. MacDonald can also be reached by phone at 902-276-3557 or at Town Centre Lanes at 902-849-0279.
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