A new Habitat for Humanity Wellington Dufferin Guelph ReStore has officially opened in the south end of Fergus.
The store is the last piece of the puzzle to fill the former Target building on Tower Street South.
On July 30 shoppers were lining up before 8am, one hour prior to the store opening its doors for the first time.
“I think people coming to the door, for example, feel really grateful that they have somewhere where they can take their stuff knowing that it’s going for a terrific cause,” said store manager Deb Stanson.
“So I think that’s what we’re getting and this community has been amazing.
“Every single person coming to that back door has been incredible with the donations that we’ve been getting, the excitement in being able to buy here as you can see right now.”
Billed by officials as a “socially conscious” operation that offers everything from home décor, furniture and vanities to construction materials, appliances and lighting, the ReStore accepts new and used items to resell to the public.
“In fact with the ReStore we’re saving things from going to the landfill,” Stanson said.
Proceeds from the store help to fund local Habitat home building projects.
“When we have a ReStore in a community we do look for land opportunities as well,” said Amber Wood, Habitat for Humanity Wellington Dufferin Guelph spokesperson.
“So we are pursuing or exploring land in Fergus so we can have a build here in the near future.”
The local Habitat for Humanity organization has three full ReStores and Fergus is the first in Wellington County.
The others are located in Guelph and Orangeville.
Wood said another opportunity the ReStore offers is volunteerism.
“We have about a one to nine staff-to-volunteer ratio, so through volunteerism we look to provide skills-based learning opportunities, we look to provide a social environment for retirees, for community to just come together and be together for a good cause,” Wood said.
Stanson added, “It’s a nice mix of students to seniors … and some people that aren’t retired, still come out.”
She said volunteers in Fergus put in about 90 per cent of the work to get the store ready for opening day.
“The painting of the walls, cleaning of the floors, the set up of pricing, the set up of the racking and the shelving was all done by volunteers,” Stanson said.
“We’re really, really blessed in this area … they very much give back.”
While the doors opened to a crowd of more than 20 people on July 30, the grand opening is scheduled for Sept. 8.
Those wishing to make a donation can visit habitatwdg.ca for more information.
Items can be dropped off at the store or a free pickup can be arranged for larger items.
