by Ashleigh Beaudoin/Special to the Langley Advance
A recent boom in Langley City thrift stores means a move for local non-profit foundation.
The Langley-based Fibromyalgia Well Spring Foundation has moved from its spot at 206th Street and Fraser Highway to a new, larger location in Aldergrove.
After a 30 per cent rent increase made it necessary for the foundation to move, and with a new city bylaw limiting the operation of thrift shops in the City of Langley, the foundation had to look to Aldergrove for its new location.
For founder and executive director Cheryl Young, this move is just another step, another move for the foundation and for fibromyalgia awareness. Though she likes the current location, there are a lot of things to look forward to at the new location, she said.
“The new space used to be a Salvation Army, and it’s so much bigger,” said Young.
The new location is 3,100 square feet, with room for expanded sections, and even a space for private offices. For Young, the opportunity to have these increased facilities opens up greater privacy for offices, for one-on-one talks.
The foundations location in Langley City doesn’t have private office space, and for Young, that has been something that she has wanted, so she can keep privacy where it needs to be for those who need it.
In the new store, there will also be more space to sit and relax, with an expanded area for books, and at the front of the shop for kids to play while their parents shop.
“The toy area will be right at the front of the store, so we can watch everything and the kids will be safe,” said Young.
With some donated clothing racks from Co-op, the clothing section will also be expanded, as well as more space for Watkins products.
While Young said the thrift store has not been profitable, it has been a place for people to come in and learn about fibromyalgia, while also being a part of the community.
“We work with the community to help our students, we also just help the community to come in and volunteer… and we’ll do the same in Aldergrove,” Young said.
The foundation has recently started working with B.C. Housing on a project to create a home for people with fibromyalgia.
Young said she expects that the first location will be in the Township.
The Fibromyalgia Well Spring Foundation will be holding a fundraiser on Feb. 5 at Bob’s Bar and Grill at 20783 Fraser Hwy. from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For more, contact the foundation at 778-278-3697.