Treasures Charity Thrift Store offers volunteer work opportunities to individuals living with mental health issues who are at a stage in their recovery where they are ready to reintegrate with the community and participate in a social and work experience. Treasures Charity Thrift Store, operated by registered charity Beginning Again Richmond Hill, has been selling gently used clothing, linens, house wares, books, jewellery and collectables at reasonable prices in the Richmond Hill area for over 28 years. We provide a unique experience in which volunteer job coaches from the community and people with mental health needs work co-operatively in all aspects of the store’s operation. This community based program provides opportunities for peer support, skills development and consumer leadership. Volunteers gain a sense of wellbeing while building new relationships and sharing mutual experiences. Treasures is a friendly and inviting atmosphere in which to work, shop and socialize. At Treasures we believe:
1. All people are valuable no matter what their current abilities and limitations and are deserving of respect and recognition that everyone has something of value to contribute.
2. Retail sales work is socially valued work.
3. The Mental Health Recovery process is encouraged in an environment that provides meaningful and valued work.
4. Individuals are encouraged to grow in a supportive, accepting, understanding and friendly environment.
5. Empowerment and Inclusion increase the capacity of individuals and groups to make informed choices and decisions that affect them and helps transform their choices into actions and successful outcomes.
6. Community Awareness through Information and Knowledgehelps reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and helps to encourage those in need of treatment and support to get it.
7. Resilience and Recovery are possible.
8. Respect for the Diversity, Integrity, Dignity, Cultures and Beliefs of all individuals regardless of individual differences strengthens us all.
9. Re-investment of the proceeds from sales back into the store benefits the whole community where people of all backgrounds can gather to develop skills, engage in meaningful relationships and to shop.
10. An alternative shopping experience can be affordable, accessible and environmentally responsible.
