March 26... 40 years ago...
It was the very first day of sales at the Twice But Nice thrift store. It took about six months to take an idea to reality. It started in the fall of 1984, because of the serious economic climate combined with the increased use of the food bank and the clothing available through Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Family and Community Support Services (a Fort Saskatchewan municipal department) researched the idea of establishing a second-hand clothing store.
In January of 1985, City Council approved $8,000 to establish the store, with the hope the money would be repaid by the end of the year.
These were the objectives of the project:
By March 1st premises were leased (10310 – 100 Avenue) and on the 26th of that month the store was officially opened by Mayor Pryce Alderson. The monthly costs were rent ($550), utilities ($164) and salary for one person ($1,061).
In January of 1985, City Council approved $8,000 to establish the store, with the hope the money would be repaid by the end of the year.
These were the objectives of the project:
- Provide a source of inexpensive clothing, especially to those in need.
- Accept donation of clothes and forward unsold items to other agencies needing them.
- Encourage a sense of community by the use of volunteers and help from groups within the City.
- Return any profits to the community – possibly in the form of a 20% municipal contribution so that groups could access Family and Community Support Services Special Project Funding.
By March 1st premises were leased (10310 – 100 Avenue) and on the 26th of that month the store was officially opened by Mayor Pryce Alderson. The monthly costs were rent ($550), utilities ($164) and salary for one person ($1,061).
From the start, there was wide community acceptance and use. Volunteers and “Fines Option Workers” toiled in the summer heat (no air conditioning). There were many organizations, agencies and individuals who helped in different ways to help make the store a success that inaugural year.
During the slower summer months, the initial Board wondered if they could cover the overhead costs, but were encouraged by similar stores in Camrose, Leduc and Sherwood Park. They assured Twice But Nice that revenue would improve in the fall – and indeed by year end the group had grossed approximately $21,000 in nine months.
Once it was determined success seemed possible, work was undertaken to form a non-profit society – incorporating this society in December 1985.
By the end of the first year of operation Twice But Nice had sorted and donated hundreds of bags to Humans on Welfare, donated funds to the Christmas Hamper Campaign and were giving freely to those in need. And they repaid all but $1,000 back to the City and acquired $5,000 in a term deposit for emergency use!
From humble beginnings - an idea that Fort Saskatchewan needed a community based second-hand store – to 40 years later where Twice But Nice is a staple business within the community that has contributed over a million dollars to various local non-profits – while still continuing to meet their original mission.
During the slower summer months, the initial Board wondered if they could cover the overhead costs, but were encouraged by similar stores in Camrose, Leduc and Sherwood Park. They assured Twice But Nice that revenue would improve in the fall – and indeed by year end the group had grossed approximately $21,000 in nine months.
Once it was determined success seemed possible, work was undertaken to form a non-profit society – incorporating this society in December 1985.
By the end of the first year of operation Twice But Nice had sorted and donated hundreds of bags to Humans on Welfare, donated funds to the Christmas Hamper Campaign and were giving freely to those in need. And they repaid all but $1,000 back to the City and acquired $5,000 in a term deposit for emergency use!
From humble beginnings - an idea that Fort Saskatchewan needed a community based second-hand store – to 40 years later where Twice But Nice is a staple business within the community that has contributed over a million dollars to various local non-profits – while still continuing to meet their original mission.