Mental Health Matters: A forty-year journey at The Post
By Rebecca Riddle on October 12, 2019.
In 1979, a small group of volunteers came together for the purpose of creating a fully functioning, non-profit business with the purpose of all proceeds to go to the Canadian Mental Health Association. Since then The Post Thrift Store has grown into a family of both staff and volunteers working together to give back to the community. Early in the venture radio, community bulletins and newspaper were utilized for acquiring volunteers. Though these methods were beneficial, throughout the forty years the most successful way to find volunteers has been by word of mouth. As a result, The Post has maintained a presence within the community, bringing with it much change. The Post Thrift Store was operated by volunteers until 1998, when the first paid staff member was hired. This would become the catalyst for more change as a supportive work program for individuals who struggle with mental issues was initiated in 1999. During this time, The Bookstore, Clothing Store and Treasure Store each functioned independently from one another. This system continued until 2004, when the Treasure Store and Clothing Store became one, and the Bookstore occupied an operating space of its own. Over the years, The Post would see its share of growing pains which made it necessary to move locations several times. With each move, volunteers and staff would seek ways to improve their routines for sorting and pricing. As time progressed, it became apparent that The Post would benefit from moving the Bookstore from its own space to join Treasure and Clothing, becoming one entity. This decision would create a new outlook for the volunteers and staff, as all departments moved forward as one. As 2019 nears its last quarter, The Post looks back at 40 years with overwhelming appreciation for the time and effort its volunteers have given. Going forward, we invite anyone who would like learn more about what The Post to visit us Monday to Friday, between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for a tour of our store. Rebecca Riddle is the Store Manager at The Post Thrift Store for the Canadian Mental Health Association and can be reached at 403-527-0326. To find out more about volunteering visit http://www.thepostonline.ca or check out http://www.cmha-aser.ca to learn more about CMHA Programs and Events. 7-6
