A new store has opened at the Recycling Depot on Port Alberni’s Third Avenue that aims to give old furniture a second life and save them from the landfill.
The Re-Use Store officially opened with a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, Jan. 18. The store collects donations of furniture, working household appliances and construction material and re-sells them at a reduced cost. It is operated by INEO Employment Services as a social enterprise, providing employment and skill development opportunities for community members who may otherwise struggle to gain mainstream employment.
“We’re really excited to be open,” said Terry Deakin, INEO owner and operator, on Tuesday.
The Re-Use Store first came about when Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) issued a request for proposals (RFP) for operation of the Third Avenue Recycling Depot back in 2021. The RFP included an agreement to develop and operate an on-site re-use store. The contract for the work was awarded to INEO Employment Services.
“Everything kind of fell into place this year,” said Deakin.
While there are other second-hand stores in Port Alberni, Deakin says the Re-Use Store is different, in that it takes larger furniture and items that would otherwise end up in the landfill.
“We don’t take any clothing or knick-knacks or small items, like dishes,” she said. “There are lots of second-hand stores in town and they take care of that.”
The Re-Use Store is INEO’s fifth social enterprise, providing employment and training opportunities for individuals to learn, upskill and transition to the local labour market. Other enterprises owned by INEO include Recycle Matters, Rustic Woodworks, the Third Avenue Recycling Depot and Animal Ark pet store.
Those who are interested in donating furniture to the Re-Use Store can set up a time to drop off items by calling the store at 250-730-2452. Smaller items can be dropped off any time the store is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. The Re-Use Store will also offer pick-ups of larger items.