Brantford’s Nova Vita Violence Prevention Services has announced that its Closet Couture Boutique will close its doors permanently on Saturday, December 9, 2023.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of Nova Vita’s social enterprise, Closet Couture Boutique,” said Anne Herbison-Ruddell, Community Development Manager of Nova Vita, in a statement.
With 100 per cent of the store’s proceeds going towards supporting Nova Vita, the boutique was just one way to help raise essential funds for the organization.
“Over the past ten years, across two locations and through a global pandemic, Closet Couture Boutique has worked tirelessly to upcycle generous clothing donations with the purpose of raising much needed funds for our emergency shelter,” she said.
Because of the store’s lease agreement ending, as well as the rising costs of operating a retail store front, Herbison-Ruddell said that with the increased needs in the community, the organization has decided to focus its efforts on its vital programs and services.
“With the City of Brantford, as well as, the County of Brant both declaring intimate partner violence and gender-based violence as an epidemic, at this time, all of our resources and capacity need to be focused on our core programs to provide safe shelter, and support for the individuals and families that are impacted by violence, abuse and homelessness,” she said.
Herbison-Ruddell thanked all of those who have supported the boutique over the past decade.
“We are incredibly grateful for the love and support we have received over the years from our caring community through the donation of new and like-new clothing, through the countless hours served by our dedicated volunteers and staff, and through the loyal customers who have supported Nova Vita by shopping at Closet Couture Boutique,” she said. “Thank you for ten years of wonderful memories and making a difference for our community.”
For those interested in supporting the boutique, the shop will be running several sales until it closes on December 9. Hours of operation include: Tuesday’s 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday’s 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m..
To continue to support Nova Vita and its efforts, the public can continue donating online, in person, over the phone or by mail.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
