Lansdowne Children’s Centre partners with Mission Thrift Store for new program

Through a partnership with Mission Thrift Store in Brantford, the participants in the new Lansdowne Children’s Centre Venture into Volunteering Therapeutic Recreation program have been experiencing greater connection to their community.

When you’re a volunteer, you’re part of the greater community – it’s all about forging connections for common goals.

The participants in the new Lansdowne Children’s Centre Venture into Volunteering Therapeutic Recreation program have been experiencing that firsthand.

Tiffany Morgan, Recreation Therapy Supervisor, explained that the new program came about as the Recreation Therapy team was working together to “explore some new program ideas that would promote independence,” that were specifically geared towards participants aged 14 to 18.  

Tiffany noted that all of the Venture to Volunteering participants have an interest in volunteering and some have already helped out at events to benefit Lansdowne, including the Charity Motorcycle Ride and the Heroes Walk and Roll, as well as with the Recreation Department’s CARE programming.

She explained that the goal of Venture into Volunteering is for participants “to gain practical experience to include in resumes, a deeper understanding of individual strengths and a clearer sense of how they can continue contributing to their community.”

The program found a community partner with Mission Thrift Store at 119 Colborne St. W., Brantford.

The shop boasts a wide range of items, including clothing, toys, books, household items and more.

“The store manager, Andrea Norg, has been wonderful in supporting and welcoming us to the volunteer world,” Tiffany said. “She is very passionate about her work, and we are so grateful to join her team.”

Andrea said the store is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that helps people in Brantford and beyond.

“Through our joint ministry with Bible League Canada, the net proceeds from our sales support local community initiatives as well as international programs in over 50 countries around the world.

"Every donation, volunteer effort, and purchase truly contributes to something greater – and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of,”

she said.

The first session of the Venture into Volunteering program began with a discussion of what it means to be a volunteer, as well as some volunteer training before participants went over to the store.

The participants’ responsibilities have included tidying the store, waxing the hanger rods, sorting donations, and setting up displays.

The participants have had a few shifts at Mission Thrift Store, and it has been a very positive experience.

One parent praised the idea of offering an opportunity for supported volunteering, saying, “Our kids can learn that they too can help others, that other people also need help. And it will make it easier for them to complete their high school hours!

"TR is always doing such great things.”

Recreation Support Worker Taryn said, “It is a wonderful privilege to be able to watch our clients grow and evolve into some of the most understanding kindest people I know. I am incredibly grateful to play a role in their lives.”

Elizabeth Burke, Recreation Therapy Assistant, noted, “This volunteering opportunity is not just a chance for clients to gain practical work experience in a real working environment, but also to consider what truly interests and motivates them as they explore future employment or education.”

On a more personal level, she said,

“It made me very proud to see the participants jump right into their roles and start finding their rhythm as they took on different jobs"

– some using their artistic skills to arrange toy and artwork displays, and some carefully and thoughtfully sorting and rearranging the clothing racks, making sure every item was in the right section and looked neat and tidy.”

Andrea described the store as a ‘learning lab’ for community members.  

“Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming students and explorers of all kinds, sometimes alongside their assistants, into our volunteer team. We’ve connected through co-op placements, internships, one-time class projects, and community service hours. Each student has the opportunity to branch out, gain new skills, and grow in a hands-on thrift retail setting. It’s always a joy to watch that growth happen.”

Recreation Support Worker Sandra noted,

“Giving the teens the opportunity of volunteering at Mission Thrift allows them to build essential job skills that will have lasting impacts on their future.”

With the Venture into Volunteering team, Andrea said, “Their positive energy is wonderful to see, and we’re really looking forward to watching them continue to grow.”

For more information on the programs and services offered by Lansdowne, visit www.lansdownecentre.ca.

For more information on Mission Thrift Store and how to volunteer, stop by the shop or visit www.missionthriftstore.com.