Page 25 - Westman Business 2019

OCTOBER 2019 • WESTMAN BUSINESS • THE BRANDON SUN 25

» Continued from Page 24 shops in town, McKenzie said, with jeans
priced from $5 to $13, for example.
Super Thrift is chock full of articles “We have standardized pricing across
that are acquired almost exclusively by all of our Super Thrift stores,” he said.
donation. While they have some brand- “We think it’s really fair and accurate.
new furniture and mattresses — beds are Plus we have sales every day.”
among their most popular items, so they Open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon-
buy them from a supplier in Winnipeg day to Saturday, Super Thrift accepts all
just so they can provide that service to forms of payment except cheques, McK-
their customers — McKenzie said “99.99 enzie said. Even American Express and
per cent” of what they have for sale is do- Apple Pay can be used for purchases.
nated. And if people would like to volunteer to
Clothes are the main seller, and about work in the store, their assistance would
60 per cent of the goods for sale on the be welcomed with open arms.
main floor are articles of clothing. The But back to the reason for the Super
basement contains furniture, but they Thrift’s existence in the first place. McK-
also offer housewares, sporting goods, enzie was surprisingly forthcoming and
home improvement and seasonal items, offered his and Murray’s life histories as
toys and various other articles rounding a reason why the store is so important.
out their selection. Both men are gainfully employed, help-
“We try to have something for every- ing others, and paying it forward. They’re
one,” McKenzie said. living proof that the Adult and Teen
So why are people so generous? McK- Challenge program works.
enzie thinks the answer is two-fold. “Aaron and I manage the thrift store,”
“A lot is donated because people have he said. “But we’re not business tycoons.
so much stuff,” McKenzie said frankly. Both of us are graduates of the Teen
“So a part of it is convenience, but also Challenge program. Thirteen years ago
people do believe in the cause. We do in B.C., I was an addict. Six years ago,
partner with the John Howard Society, Aaron, who’s from Binscarth, was an ad-
Seventh Street Access and Samaritan dict. So we’ve been there and done that,
House. If people who need help get a and we’re giving back. And we’re hoping
voucher from (one of those entities), we that (Super Thrift) is something that’ll
can give them stuff for free.” benefit, or has become beneficial to, the Development officer Aaron Murray and store manager Terrence McKenzie stand outside of Adult & Teen Challenge
Pricing is competitive with similar community.” Super Thrift at 127 Seventh St. in Brandon.