Thrift Stores

Treasure Cottage Thrift stores in 2 locations

The SOS Children's Village operations are supported in part by our two thrift stores. The many volunteers and the staff who work in our two thrift stores, recognize that he/she works with purpose and commitment which allows the programs of SOS Children's Village BC to have sustainability.

Treasure Cottage Thrift Store in the community of Steveston in Richmond, first opened its doors in 1992, as a way to raise funds for the creation of an SOS Children's Village. In 1999, the store expanded to its present size on Moncton Street in Steveston. Today, approximately 50 volunteers work in or support that store. The store is managed by one paid manager and a team of approximately five to eight volunteers each day of the week.

Treasure Cottage Kerrisdale is also modeled after the successful Treasure Cottage in Steveston and opened in July of 2006. Treasure Cottage Kerrisdale is "chic" in style and consistently gives the public an opportunity to purchase affordable quality products. It is supported by two part time paid managers and a company of dedicated volunteers.

To get an insight into our daily work life at one of our Thrift stores, read some of our Thrift Stories.

Treasure Cottage Volunteers

We offer volunteer opportunities for everyone. Fill out our Thrift Store Volunteer application form for an exciting opportunity to help out in a team environment!

We would be delighted to have you join one of our Thrift store teams.

Treasure Cottage volunteers perform a variety of tasks, including – sorting donations, pricing, displays, stock turnover, public relations, customer service, tidying and store maintenance. Volunteers are assigned to one or more days a week and trained on the job by their designated leader.

Volunteers are asked to make a minimum of a 6 month commitment to Treasure Cottage. At the end of 6 months service, each volunteer receives a certificate and a silver SOS Children's Village Pin. The gold SOS pin is awarded to those with over 5 years of service – there are MANY volunteers who have achieved this level!!

Volunteers are welcome to shop in the store, but pricing is the same as customer pricing.

Treasure Cottage volunteers form close bonds with one another and also enjoy a sociable environment together.

Treasure Cottage volunteers represent the SOS Children's Village Society of BC to the public and work as a team to support the families of the SOS Children’s Village located in Surrey, BC.

Duties of a Treasure Cottage Volunteer include:

1. Opening and closing of store – guidelines provided
2. Sorting goods donated to the store into appropriate category.
   1. for disposal
   2. for re-cycling
   3. for storage
   4. for pricing
3. Pricing goods according to guidelines provided
4. Displaying goods in the sales area
5. Merchandise control/turn-over of goods
6. Providing information about SOS Children’s Village to the public

All Treasure Cottage Volunteers:

• Participate in an initial interview
• Have on the job training
• Use the store operations manual to inform themselves about policies
• Have a 90-day probation period to ensure placement is working
• Work under the direction of the Day Leader or Store Manager, informing her in advance if they are unable to work on their assigned day
• Are invited to participate in volunteer social activities
• Are invited to volunteer for other SOS fundraising events
• Solicit support from their community for the thrift store (ie. donations)

Start a volunteer career with us

Welcome to Treasure Cottage Thrift Store! Following is a guideline to assist you as you begin your volunteer career, which we hope will continue throughout your life.

Report to Day Leader and respond to any immediate needs

General Tasks:

• Check supply of bags at front desk throughout the day
• Assist cashier in bagging, if needed
• Return empty hangers from the front desk to the workroom
• Tidy shoe racks
• Straighten purses
• Tidy SOS information corner
• Tidy book shelves, straighten puzzle, games shelves
• Help tidy house wares area
• Re-fold linens if needed, tidy toy area
• Break down unwanted cardboard to flatten and put in cardboard container
• Empty garbage containers at end of day
• Assist volunteers by hanging up clothing in store
• Check fitting rooms through out your shift and tidy
• Colour block racks as needed

As this may be a new experience, students are asked to understand that their time as a volunteer is dedicated time. A 30 minute break for lunch is part of a 5 hour shift. Visiting with friends and using telephone for brief calls is limited to the lunch break.

All volunteers are permitted to shop in the store, paying the same price as customers and taking their purchases to cashier for processing. Students who have completed 3 months service may request cashier training, which will be given outside business hours.

We’re delighted to have you with us and hope this experience will be a good one for you!