Trillium In The News

The Mississauga News

Old values are Nearly New

JOSEPH CHIN
Jul 17, 2002

It's got an eye-catching name, a great location and a staff of volunteers that's hard to beat.

It's the Nearly New Shop and it is probably Trillium Health Centre's best kept secret.

"I believe we've been around for some 30 years, previously in the Lakeview and Port Credit areas," said service leader Val Zenglein.

Located in a former private residence at one corner of the hospital's sprawling mid-town property, the Nearly New Shop is a browser's paradise of new and nearly-new merchandise.

Want an amusing trinket, some affordable clothes, toys for the young ones? It's all there, neatly arranged on two floors, with new goods constantly arriving.

"We never know from day to day what will appear on the shelves. It depends on what was donated," said Zenglein. "That is what makes the shop appealing."
Certainly, loyal customers think so.

Each year, the Nearly New Shop takes in $45,000-$50,000 in profit, which goes directly to the hospital. This summer, despite inclement weather, the shop's first garden party raised $1,200.

"It's what motivates us, knowing we can help Trillium purchase much-needed medical equipment, like MRI machines," said Zenglein, who started with the shop 25 years ago. The longest serving member, though -- and still very active -- is Eileen Embeckie, who goes way back to the original Port Credit store.
Currently, 41 women and a lone fellow work rotating shifts, sorting the goods that come in and assisting customers, always with a cheery smile.

"The hours are very flexible. Some of our staff work only three hours a week, others more. It's entirely up to the individual," said Zenglein. "But we can always use extra volunteers."

Prices of items in the shop, all of which were donated by the public, start at 50 cents. Nothing costs more than $10.

"There are regulars who come in every day to see what's new," said assistant service leader Winn Bartlett. "They drop by so often, we've come to know a lot of them by name."

It's the fun atmosphere and camaraderie among the staff that make volunteering at the shop so enjoyable.

"Half-a-dozen of us have been here more than 20 years now," said Zenglein. "We've become like family, and the shop is like a home away from home."
The Nearly New Shop is located at 2194 Hurontario Rd.
 

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