On a sunny Saturday (July 23), we were grateful to the many donors, supporters and volunteers who gathered outside of the new Mission Store at Fairwest Plaza, 4-797 York Street. It was bright day to hold a Grand Opening that both looked to the future and honored our roots.

Opening remarks began with a blessing from our Board Chair Alex Verdun. Our interim Executive Director and Director of Development & Communications, Ericka Ayala Ronson, acknowledged the beginnings of the Store, which started through the efforts of the Women’s Auxiliary (WA) in 1964. We were honored to have a special presentation from two members of the WA Executive, Gail McCall and Carol Leslie, to our Store Manager Burt Haggith. Burt thanked the 100 Store volunteers, and the more than 50 referral agencies to our Voucher Program. Councillor Phil Squire explained how he has come to learn more about our work in the community and the benefit that it serves.

Our Executive Director, Peter Rozeluk recounted the efforts to find a new location, which started nearly five years ago, and the many groups of people who came together to make it a reality. Peter Rozeluk gave thanks to our landlord Southside Group, represented by Peter Moreno. CUTTING THE BLUE RIBBON, PHOTO FROM LEFT: Alex Verdun, Ericka Ayala Ronson, Gail, Burt Haggith, Carol Leslie, Phil Squire, Peter Moreno, Peter Rozeluk