‘More than a thrift shop, it's a gathering place'

Winnipeg Free Press

05-05-2025

Nancy Johnson remembers the uncertainty she felt when she and four friends embarked on something new two decades ago.
Johnson, Carol Cribbs, Bernice Lanouette, Grace Nunn and Mabel Pratt opened Just Like New to You thrift shop at the beginning of May in 2005. They were former nurses and members of the White Cross Guild, and their goal was to raise funds for the Health Sciences Centre.
'I think we were all pretty nervous we might not be able to make the goal,' Johnson recalls. 'I can't remember when we started to feel more confident that we maybe knew what we were doing.'
It turns out they knew exactly what they were doing.
In the last 20 years, Just Like New to You has donated more than $600,000 to patient-care initiatives at HSC, including funding for new equipment and music- and pet-therapy programs.
Located at 685 Portage Ave., the volunteer-run shop serves a diverse clientele and sells a variety of inexpensive, gently-used clothing, household items and toys.
The store is celebrating 20 years in business Tuesday through Friday, with prizes, sales, snacks and free limited-edition reusable anniversary shopping bags for people who spend at least $5.
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
Epic Opportunities needs directors for its board, and the foundation's board, committed to influencing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and building a more inclusive future. It's a three-year term starting in June. Candidates with a growth mindset and skills in areas such as board governance, strategic planning and community development are encouraged to apply. Go to epicmb.ca to learn more. Send a resumé and cover letter to [e-mail] by today.
The Women's Musical Club of Winnipeg needs a finance board member to join its volunteer-led organization, which supports Manitoba musicians through scholarships and performance opportunities. It is looking for someone with financial management experience and familiarity with website platforms such as Wix and Zeffy. Apply at [e-mail] or 204-944-9431 by Saturday.
South Winnipeg Family Information Centre needs dedicated, community-minded people to serve on its board. The centre offers a variety of programs and services to enhance the quality of life for Winnipeg families and is the home of Dress for Success Winnipeg. Board members attend monthly meetings from September to June, help establish policies and strategic direction, assist with fundraising activities and participate in a working board committee with virtual meetings. Ideal candidates will have experience in fields such as accounting, finance, law, fundraising, marketing, social work, health or education, or information technology. Email your resumé to nomination committee chair Marnie Jackson at [e-mail] by May 30.
Direct Support Profession Manitoba is accepting applications to serve on its board, including for the position of secretary. Email [e-mail] by May 31.
Friends of the Ralph Connor House, which owns and is responsible for the preservation of the national historic site, needs people to serve on its board of directors. People with skills in the areas of treasurer, communications and grant applications are particularly encouraged to apply. Call Penni at 204-757-2274 by Sept. 1.
Help build homes with Habitat for Humanity Manitoba at 900 Pandora Ave. W. until Oct. 31. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome, with opportunities available Tuesday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Kelley Shuster at [e-mail] for more information.
Special Olympics Manitoba needs volunteers with a passion for coaching and connecting with athletes. They will work with athletes in 18 sports to improve basic motor skills, teach sport-specific skills and prepare athletes for competition. Some sport-specific knowledge is needed. The time commitment is one to two weekly sessions for one to 2 1/2 hours. Some competitions are on weekends. Email Emma Wedlake at [e-mail] by May 15.
Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre needs education volunteers to deliver presentations to students and community groups, and at public events. The goal is to raise awareness about local wildlife and promote peaceful coexistence between humans and animals. Volunteers might also get to work with animals that can't be returned to the wild because of injury or other factors, helping to educate the public through direct interaction. This opportunity is ideal for people interested in wildlife education, public speaking and community engagement. Apply at wfp.to/W9D by June 1.
The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival needs more than 750 volunteers who are able to volunteer for at least four shifts of about four to six hours each over 12 days, July 16-27. Duties range from selling tickets and ushering to helping at the Kids Fringe area. Must be 12 or older. Apply at wfp.to/W9G or [e-mail] by July 11.
The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Go to wfp.to/0pE, email [e-mail] or call 1-844-818-2155.
'I'm super proud and super excited, and I'm really happy that we're able to do a weeklong event for our customers and show them our appreciation,' says Sue Lockhart, Johnson's daughter and the shop's president. 'It's just kind of nice to keep this going.'
The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
Lanouette and Nunn died in 2019 and 2020, respectively, but the other three founders — now in their late 80s — still volunteer at the shop every week.
It's a family affair for Johnson, who is there each Wednesday with a group that includes Lockhart and one of her other daughters, Patty Antoniak.
'We all love our Wednesdays,' Lockhart says, noting the camaraderie and friendships that volunteers share. 'We support each other through the good and the bad, and it's sort of a place you can come and not only work hard, but feel like you're making a difference in the community.'
The store is intentional about offering low-cost items for people and families facing financial challenges, she adds. It's located near bus routes and walkable for many in the neighbourhood. Volunteers strive to cultivate a warm, welcoming environment where everyone is treated with dignity.
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The store welcomes donations of gently used items, Lockhart says. She and the rest of the volunteers hope people stop by for the anniversary celebration.
'It's more than a thrift shop,' she says. 'It's a gathering place.'
Given how uncertain the founders felt when they opened the shop, there's something marvellous about marking 20 years in business, Johnson says.
'It's kind of a miracle,' she says. 'But I think we all love the shop…. The people are great, our customers are great and our volunteers are amazing.'
If you know a special volunteer, email [e-mail].
Aaron EppReporter
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.
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