Thrift Shopper for Peace: Blog

The words “second-hand” have been a part of my vocabulary for as long as I can remember. I grew up with hand-me-downs and things my mom bought at the local Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Thrift Shop. When I began earning my own money, it was just natural that I would shop there as well. I still have the very first item I bought with my own money over 25 years ago: an over-sized, man’s sweater. You can read more about that in my first blog.

Why “Thrift Shopper for Peace”? For me, thrift is more than a shopping option, it is a lifestyle. It is active peacemaking. Thrift shopping supports the environment, volunteerism in the community, charity at home and abroad. It creates a level shopping ground for people of all income levels. When I donate and purchase at a thrift shop I’m keeping things out of a land-fill – making peace with the environment. When I volunteer, I am part of a community of people that I might not interact with otherwise – making peace in my community. When I support a charity (by donating, purchasing and volunteering) I am helping to build peace at home and around the world. Supporting a shop that enables people of all income levels to own things of value is, to me, a peace value as well. And it doesn’t hurt that you save a ton of money when you shop thrift.

I live with my husband and son in Abbotsford. I work for Mennonite Central Committee in BC as the writer in the communications department; so I’m naturally biased towards MCC Thrift Shops and when I make my donations, it’s usually there. But I’m not exclusive. I’ll shop at any thrift shop and one of my favourite things to do when I travel is to find out where the thrift shops are and visit them. I’ll share some of my finds on this blog. I hope that what is shared on this blog will be of encouragement and value to all who read it. Looking forward to your ideas too.

Reserve for:

Please provide your contact information. We will check this item's availability and get back to you soon with the price and expected time of delivery.

Our apologies, we are not able to process special orders shipped to your country.