Kindersley’s thrift store serves 80-100 customers every day

By Joan Janzen

Did you know Kindersley's Salvation Army Thrift Store has been serving Kindersley and area for 35 years? The store's official ribbon-cutting, complete with a band playing, took place on April 22, 1989, at the present-day location of 108 Railway Avenue West.

You also won't believe how many customers they serve daily. Eddie Diehl, from the thrift store, reported that on average, they have between 80 and 100 customers going through their till every day. Not only is that amazing, but it's also occurring when many Canadians struggle financially. The thrift store is helping provide basic needs for its customers at affordable prices.

Kindersley’s Salvation Thrift Store staff serve an average of 80 to 100 customers daily, while ensuring the store is a bright and cheerful place to shop. Pictured from l-4: Jen Cisna, Andrew Kennedy, Eddie Diehl, Vanessa Arrieche, and Ashley Mcgillivray. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

Mayor Archie Colton is about to cut the ribbon for the official opening of the Salvation Army Thrift Store, on April 22, 1989. Volunteers holding the ribbon of second hand clothes are Ron Lamont (l) and Barry Malindine (r). Captain Wilson Noble of the Salvation Army (far right) supervises. Photo: Kindersley Clarion, April 26, 1989

According to the store's staff members, customers travel from a two-hour radius around Kindersley to shop at the thrift store. Many travellers stop in on their way from Saskatoon to Calgary or Medicine Hat. The number of customers has increased significantly over the past few years.

An article in the April 12, 1989 issue of The Kindersley Clarion reported the store opened its doors in early April 1989. At that time, volunteer staff watched a steady stream of bargain hunters enter their doors.

Barry Malindine was a member of the local Salvation Army group and coordinated the store's operating committee. Upon the store's opening, Malindine said he was confident of its success, and he appears to have been correct, as the store continues to thrive today.

The store's merchandise came from Eston, Eatonia, Alsask, Marengo, and Kindersley. Even though the committee had not asked for donations, the front room was almost full, and the storage area was slowly filling with boxes and racks.

Hats off to the Salvation Army's numerous dedicated staff and volunteers, whose faithful service has provided an essential service for 35 years!