Orillia Thrift Store Update
by Hillary Handy
The Orillia Thrift Store is a not-for-profit, 100% volunteer-run social enterprise that’s more than just a place to find hidden gems. It’s a store with heart, purpose, and a mission to give back.
What started as a shared vision among a group of passionate parents from Orillia Christian School is now becoming a reality. Inspired by successful models like the ReSource Thrift Store and Muskoka Thrift Store, the Orillia Thrift Store is rooted in the belief that secondhand shopping can fuel something much bigger than great finds: it can fund education, community projects, and local dreams. All profits from the store will be reinvested back into the community, supporting Christian education, local initiatives, and providing funding for residents through an application process once the store is fully operational.
Shelley Rumball, one of the founding members who nurtured this dream for over five years, comments, “The Orillia Thrift Store is a thrifting destination. We want this place to be the heart of Orillia, where people who need to thrift can shop with dignity.”
With catchy social media posts, the store is gaining much traction. Store volunteers have commented that patrons come into the shop because they saw posts online advertising their weekly sales. People are also obsessed with Kiki, the store’s unofficial mascot, who is a two-year-old Korean Mini Toy Poodle. She’s probably the most popular dog in Orillia and is known for her community photo shoots.
The prices in store, as a whole, are very affordable and mimic classic “thrift store” trends. People want to feel like they are getting a good deal…and they are! With increased foot traffic, the store has taken on additional retail space in other units in the mall at 92 West Street South. The hope is that they can make the store more accessible for wheelchairs, strollers and walkers, allowing a safe shopping experience for all, while offering MORE merchandise to its shoppers. With greater growth to allow for increased accessibility, the store is in need of additional volunteers.
Volunteers are needed for everything from sorting and tagging to merchandising and cashiering. Whether you can commit weekly or monthly, there’s a role for everyone. Volunteers enjoy a time of connection and purpose together and become friends! Many of the staff are seniors or recently retired. There are youth who work to earn their high school volunteer hours. There are individuals who are practicing workplace skill development with their support staff. There’s a role and a job for everyone, with any ability, and time commitment.
One of the operational managers, Nancy Anderson, notes, “I love working with our loyal volunteers. I enjoy chatting with our customers. We have such a happy atmosphere!”
If you are able to lend a hand, please email: OrilliaThriftStore@gmail.com
A Taste of What’s to Come
The Orillia Thrift Store is hosting a High Tea Fashion Show on November 16 at the Joyland Beach Community Centre in Ramara as a way to foster connections but also showcase some of the thrifty and fun finds available in store. These events offer a sneak peek into the vibrant and fun atmosphere the Orillia Thrift Store aims to create. In the past, they have hosted upcycling workshops, pop-up sales, and vendor markets.
With its focus on reuse, sustainability, and social good, the Orillia Thrift Store isn’t just another shop. Rather, it’s a community-building hub. It offers an eco-conscious and affordable shopping experience while championing causes that matter deeply to the people of Orillia and surrounding areas.
The store’s current hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the exception of extended hours on Thursday nights until 5 p.m. For all the updates, hilarious content, deals and hours, check out their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram- @orilliathriftstore.
So as you clear out closets or declutter for the season, remember your gently used items can help build something remarkable.
Because when you shop at the Orillia Thrift Store, you spend a little, but you give a lot.
