Since opening its doors in 2013, the re-Source Thrift Shop Brantford has a been popular destination for bargain hunters, while contributing as an important funding source for multiple charities in the area.
Gary Reitsma and Jerry Bekendam, who co-founded the shop, have worked alongside a dedicated group of volunteers to help grow it.
“The first location that opened under the ‘re-Source Thrift Shop’ name, was in Hamilton. We got the second store, and then the other stores in Barrie, Peterborough [and other cities] soon followed…there are more stores, but they didn’t all use the same name. However, aside the similar name…we all pretty much operate independently from each other,” Reitsma explained. “For the first nine years we operated as an independent corporation [and] then three years ago, we came under the umbrella of the Brantford Christian School which is a charity…but our distribution of funds basically has remained the same…the shop helps support three charities including the Brantford Christian School, Why Not City Missions and the Hope Pregnancy and Family Support Center. We raise some funds for other charities such as Organized Kaos and we have also helped others like the Brantford Food Bank, the Blessing Center, St. Leonard’s Community Services, Rosewood House and Friendship House.”
However, Bekendam said their involvement with many of these charities began even before the opening the thrift shop.
“Gary and I have been involved and connected to all three charities for years.…we’re board members for Why Not City Missions…Gary’s wife, Audrey, for example taught at the Branford Christian School. So, when that opportunity came up to open the thrift store, we felt it was something we could do to contribute…because these charities do not get money from the government [and] this is a way to raise money for them,” he said.
Nevertheless, as the shop continues to thrive, it will be moving into a new space as their current building has been sold for re-development.
“Since we started, our sales have increased every quarter…I think we may have reached our peak this year [in the current location], but we’re still doing phenomenal. The community has been very generous, both in donating to us and buying from us,” Reitsma said. “We’re at 5,600 square feet in the current building [and] ideally, we’d like to be at around 10,000 square feet minimum. And when we eventually move to a new space…we are thinking of adding in some more items such as construction tools as well as displaying beds and offering more clothing, especially for children…these are things that people always welcome.”
At the end of the day, however, it’s all about the people.
“I would say the highlight for me is having met so many wonderful people from all walks of life…many of our volunteers have developed friendships by working at the shop together…along with that, it is very satisfying to give larger and larger checks to all the three major charities as well as contribute to the other groups in the community every year. So, it’s really been a success story…starting 12 years ago…and creating something so special,” Bekendam said.
Reitsma shared Bekendam’s sentiments when it comes to the people.
“Being involved with the re-Source Thrift Shop is quite satisfying. I have always been [involved in business] and this was a new venture for me… and to see it move forward the way it has and become so successful in contributing to these worthwhile charities is great,” he said. “The response we have gotten from the community through the years has been so positive…We have had people who have come to the shop and liked the [warm] reception so much that they became volunteers themselves. They liked the people who were at the store, because they were so welcoming. These are some of the highlights for me.”
