Thrift Store Raising Money To Rescue Animals

Jan 23, 2019 | 3:25 PM

A new venture by a non-profit society in Vernon, is raising money to help animals in peril.

Gena and Dale Barzan from the Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team are running the valley’s first animal auxiliary thrift store in the Highway 6 plaza across from Polson Park.

They work with other groups to rescue animals after disasters like floods and fires.

“It’s been so crazy the last four years (with disasters) that the Horse Protection Society of BC decided to sponsor it so we could actually raise money for these groups that don’t have any government funding, so they can continue doing what they do,” says Gena Barzan.

Barzan says they get calls from the RCMP and Emergency Social Services to come out and assist, sometimes going to feed the animals.

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“There is quite a few groups we want to help out. There is the Kind Lady Lives Here, Animal Legacy, Gotta Go Farm; just the local Okanagan animal rescues that don’t have big funding, we want to help and support. That’s our goal.”

They are seeking donations of clothing, kitchen items, nick knacks, and jewellery which can be dropped off at their store at 2411 Highway 6, Unit 109.

Gena says they’ve been open for 16 days and have already raised enough for their first month’s rent

“Now we’re hoping to raise enough money to raise the sign above the store. And Graphics Design for Vernon is helping us out with that with a very good price, $644 plus tax. That’s Troy and Jen Hobbs from Graphics Designs.

Barzan says the first quote she got on the sign was over $3,000.

“I was pretty well in tears when he (Troy) called and said they would take it down, clean it up, and put the new decal on for $644. It’s very kind.”

The sign will say “Thrift Store” and underneath it will say “Animal Auxiliary Thrift Store.”

by Corey Fischer