RCH - New To You Thrift Store

Walk into New to You Thrift Shop, and you’ll quickly discover it’s much more than shelves filled with clothing, household treasures, and hidden gems. Behind every neatly displayed item is a team of dedicated volunteers who sort, price, steam, clean, decorate, greet customers, accept donations, and keep the shop running with one shared purpose—to support Royal Columbian Hospital.

For Darlene Gnam, one of the shop’s co-managers along with Carla Brown, volunteering is about much more than spending a few hours each week. It’s about giving back to a hospital that has cared for generations of local families, while creating a welcoming place where shoppers can find affordable treasures and volunteers can become part of something truly meaningful.

What surprises many people is just how many different volunteer roles exist. Some volunteers sort and price clothing, while others specialize in household goods, appliances, dishes, or collectibles. There are cashiers, donation receivers, people who steam clothing, volunteers who clean and freshen merchandise, and even a talented former Woodward’s window designer who creates the eye-catching displays that earn compliments month after month. Everyone is encouraged to work where their strengths shine.

If you're wondering whether you have the right experience, Darlene’s answer is simple—you probably do. New volunteers receive an orientation, work alongside experienced team members, and are supported every step of the way. The shop welcomes people with a variety of abilities and does its best to match each person with work they can enjoy and succeed at. It’s very much a team environment where questions are encouraged and everyone helps each other learn.

The commitment is surprisingly manageable. Volunteers are asked to give a minimum of four consecutive hours each week, although many happily choose to spend more time because they genuinely enjoy being there. Darlene says one of the greatest rewards is the camaraderie. The volunteers laugh together, support one another, and celebrate the impact they make as a team.

And that impact is remarkable.

During the 2025–2026 year ending March 31, the New to You Thrift Shop donated $195,000 toward hospital equipment—a 20% increase over the previous year despite having fewer volunteers. Every purchase, every donated item, and every volunteer shift helps make that possible. It's a number that fills the entire team with pride because every dollar represents something they accomplished together. But being this successful, also brings the need to acquire more volunteers to continue to be strong.

Darlene also loves another side of the shop that shoppers may not immediately see. Many customers rely on the thrift store because they simply couldn't afford to shop elsewhere. Knowing the shop helps families stretch their budgets while supporting local healthcare gives every volunteer an even greater sense of purpose.

The greatest reward is the friendships they make, the confidence they gain, and the satisfaction of knowing they're making a real difference. For Darlene, seeing people become part of the New to You family is one of the most rewarding aspects of the shop.

Whether you're looking for a meaningful way to give back, hoping to meet new people, or simply searching for your next great thrift store find, New to You Thrift Shop is well worth a visit.

Who knows? You might leave with more than a great bargain—you might just discover a place where your time can make a real difference.

Supporting local businesses means supporting the heart of our community!

Address: 706 6th Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 2B3

Phone: 604-515-4815

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