The Broad View United Thrift Store is a destination store, located in a university community. Open three or more days per week, for discerning shoppers and those in need alike, it caters to students, young mothers, “hunter/gatherers” and bargain seekers who find unique along with everyday items priced appropriately for them.

The Thrift Store is one of several doorways into the BVU community and a doorway back into the surrounding neighbourhoods. Whether as a volunteer, shopper, beneficiary of goods and services or member of the church, all are welcome. It is not simply a point of exchange of goods, it is also an exchange of knowledge and experience where the newly graduated or the newly immigrated can learn and practice their skills in a safe environment. The Thrift Store is a significant pillar of funding for the programs and services offered by Broad View United.

The Broad View United Thrift Store has an established presence in social media as a source of unique and valuable pieces that may not be produced anymore. It offers a modern channel to older residents who wish to downsize and see their collected pieces move into the hands of those appreciative of their history. It offers an online connection for younger adult shoppers who are comfortable with technology and happy to buy, sell and trade online.

The Thrift Store partners with other social service and environmental non-profit organizations associated directly or indirectly with the church; sourcing goods for sale; putting the necessities of life directly into the hands of those who need them; and redirecting items away from the landfill.

For many, the Thrift Store is the face of Broad View United. It is a vehicle for outreach, offering social connections for volunteers, educational opportunities for students of all ages, and a platform for workshops and seminars that re-employ products and materials.

Broad View United Thrift Store is a social enterprise that generates funds to care for our community and our environment. Through the generosity of our neighbours and the time and effort of our volunteers, we support the myriad initiatives that Broad View United Church undertakes.

The Environment:
1. One less item ending up in the landfill,
2. One less piece of plastic threatening the waters of this lovely world, and
3. Redirect goods to other organizations and recycling centres to limit the environmental impact.

Our Community:
1. A community for everyone and a lifeline for some,
2. Shared interests, communal coffee and a kind ear, and
3. Regular commitment of time and routine fills a void and lessens the grief shouldered by many in our community.

Gifting to Others
1. Provide relief to those in need who come to the Store seeking clothing and toiletries for their family,
2. The money from some of our items sold goes directly to Friendship Centres, nearby schools and family services, and
3. An extended life in the hands of someone who cannot afford its original price.

Safety and Security Policy

Updated March 2025

Policy:  The BVU Thrift Store is a safe and secure environment for  staff, volunteers and the public.  Disruptive or harassing behaviour is not tolerated.

Practice:

General access to the building: 

• The public has access to the building between 8:30am and 4:30pm when administrative staff are present and outside of those hours when other pass holders are present

• Interior and exterior doors are locked and unlocked using pass codes

• Pass codes are issued by BVU administrators to paid employees after their probationary period is completed 

• The Thrift Shop Manager and Store cashiers hold pass codes to the exterior and interior doors of the store, niche and nook.  As needed temporary codes may be issued to volunteers and renters of space in the building.

Access to Thrift Shop areas:

• Registered guide dogs, companion animals and well behaved pets are welcome in the store.   Cleaning supplies are available at the cash desk should a customer need to clean up after their animal.

• The exterior door to the store is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 3:00pm and later during store hours. Saturday hours for donation are between 10 am and 5 pm

• Customers are welcome in the donation drop-off area when the exterior door is open

• Customers are welcome in the retail area of the Thrift Store during store opening hours

• Customers may only have access to the Niche & Hub/ Nook when accompanied by staff or a volunteer. Customers may have access to the downstairs washrooms. Please escort them when possible. 

• Signage and rope barriers should be used to help deter customers and strangers from wandering in to the back areas on opening days and conversely in to the shop on closing days

• Gate between front door and store should be pulled closed on days when the store isn't open

Minimum number of staff and/or volunteers

• When administrative staff are present in the building, at least two staff or volunteers must be present in the store areas.  

• When retail hours extend beyond the administrative work day, then at least three people must be present in the store areas

Personal Safety and Security

     Broadview United is not responsible for loss or damage of personal clothing and items.  

• Personal Valuables should be left in the car or kept on your person

• Purses and coats may be locked in the store’s storage cabinet in the corridor  

• Purses may also be stored in the unlocked tote in the Niche when working in the Niche

• Cameras are placed in the store incase of incidents injury and theft 

Emergency situations

• Volunteers should use the log book at the front door to sign in and out for use incase of an emergency 

Sensor Alarm Sounds:

• A pass holder can reset the alarm using their pass code

• A pass holder can respond to BVU staff who will call to determine the cause of the alarm and reset the alarm

Fire Alarm Sounds.  

The BVU building has an extensive fire alarm system which senses smoke and fire.  If the fire alarms are activated:

• The Store Manager or Head Cashier is responsible for guiding staff, volunteers and customers out of the lower level of the building via the nearest exit.

• On days when the manager is not available the second point of contact will be the co-lead minister or a member of administrative staff.

• Customers are asked to leave their prospective purchases at the sales counter 

• Staff and volunteers in the Hub or Nook exit the building via the patio on the South side of the building.  If that exit is blocked alternate routes are the stairway in the Hub, the stairs to the main level or out through the retail store door.

• After exiting the building, staff, volunteers and customers assemble at the northeast corner of the property (Palo Alto St and Broadmead Ave) and wait until the alarms end or “all clear”  has been declared by the fire department 

• The elevator must not be used when the alarm has been activated.  

• The Thrift Store Manager or a designated volunteer must close the interior fire door(s) and public access door.

• Fire drills and shakeout procedures will be practiced twice a year

• New volunteers and staff will be walked through the procedure by the manager and shown where exits and muster stations are.

Accident or Injury

All accidents or possible injuries reported to staff or volunteers must be noted in a log book with the date and time of the incident

• First aid kits containing bandages, antiseptics and eye wash are located:

  • under the till at the cash desk in the store

  • In the niche

  • By the kitchen door on the lower level

• Automatic Emergency Defibrillators (AED) are located:

  • By the kitchen door next to the main hall

  • By the kitchen door on the lower level     

• A log book is kept at each first aid kit and reviewed monthly by the manager

• First aid supplies including naloxone and aed should be reviewed and replenished as needed

• Comfortable shoes with closed toes are advisable when volunteering in the store, Niche and Nook incase of incidents and injury

• In the event of a medical emergency call 911 as your first point of contact. Administrative staff should be notified next.

Disruptive or Harassing Behaviour

Disruptive or harassing behavior is not condoned. As individual volunteers and staff, we are expected to protect and safekeep each other. 

•  Anyone seeing another person in distress can step in to de-escalate the situation by:

  • asking questions to clarify the issue

  • obtain resources or quiet space for the individual

  • separating people to create space 

  • asking the aggressor to leave the building

  • seek additional support (call 911)

  • if necessary call upon the manager

• An alleged aggressor may be asked to not re-enter the store 

Suspected Shoplifting 

The risk of shoplifting can be reduced by greeting all customers and offering assistance to find items and to ring them through the till. 

• Avoid accusing anyone of theft. The possible theft is outweighed by the need of the individual and the safety of others. 

• Avoid physical interactions - your safety is most important

• If warranted call 911 and ask for police assistance

Cash Handling

We are all accountable for the money donated or given in exchange for goods in the store. However, no effort is to be made to intervene in robbery

• Small amounts of money may be deposited in the volunteer purchase box on days when the store is not open. 

• Large cash envelopes such as donations should be left with administrative staff on days when the manager is not present

• Personal cheques are not accepted although corporate cheques may be vetted and accepted by the store manager

• Purchases of store supplies should be requested to the Store Manager or written on the “supplies needed” list located on the bulletin board in the Niche 

• Sign out sheets and IOU sheets should be used when taking a donation home