Mental Health Matters: A look back on The Post
By Medicine Hat News on February 9, 2019.
In 1979, the Canadian Mental Health Association began organizing to open a second-hand store for the purpose of charitable fundraising. The thrift store was to be operated solely by volunteers and one store manager. Recruitment for volunteers took place through the newspaper, radio, and church bulletin ads. When a location became available in early December of 1979 at 1023 Allowance Ave., the volunteers took on the tremendous task of launching Medicine Hat’s newest thrift store. The store, originally named “The Trading Post,” was ornamented with Western artifacts on loan from the Medicine Hat Museum. However, after dealing with many upset customers who found out they were unable to buy these Western antiques and trade in their items for other goods in the store, a decision was made to shorten the name to “The Post.” To this day, workers at The Post still receive phone calls from people thinking they have reached Canada Post, not realizing that The Post is actually a local thrift store. After a few location changes, The Post moved into its current location 410 South Railway St. in 1946. This location has allowed the store to become a well-known and established business in the downtown core. Today, The Post has three sections — the Clothing Store, Treasure Store, and Bookstore. The Bookstore has been operating since 1999 and is used as a supportive employment program, which means that it is a safe place for people with mental health concerns to work or volunteer. If you or someone you know may be interested in becoming a volunteer at The Post, you can access the volunteer application online at thepostonline.ca/volunteer. All merchandise and goods sold at The Post are brought in through individual donations, garage sale leftovers, estates of individuals who’ve passed, and excess from local stores. In the beginning stages of the store, each volunteer was in charge of their own section ? whether it be homeware, purses, books, men or women’s clothing, you name it, there was a person in charge of it! If you are looking for a place to take your used items, the volunteers at The Post would be more than happy to take in your donations! The store hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Items The Post cannot accept as donations include: mattresses, major appliances such as refrigerators and stoves, infant furniture, and large box T.V.s. For larger donations, please call 403-527-0326 for free pick-up. Between the generosity of the public who choose to donate their used goods to The Post and the volunteers that run the show, you have all truly made the operation of the store possible and allowed it to become the thriving it business it is today! So, if you haven’t already been to The Post, come stop by and check it out! There is something for everyone here. This column was written by Kayleah Robbins; she is a practicum student in the Social Work program through the Medicine Hat College. For any further questions regarding mental health concerns, contact Canadian Mental Health Association at 403-504-1811, http://www.aser.ca or aser@cmha-aser.ca. 9-8
