Dartmouth community fridge hosts its first pay-what-you-can thrift shop
A pop-up thrift store drew in a crowd bright and early Saturday because there was something appealing about it – no price tags.
Over 100 people attended the pay-what-you-can event held by volunteers with the Dartmouth community fridge on the grounds of Christ Church near downtown.
"You pay, you don't," said Elizabeth O'Hanley, one of the organizers. "You pay a lot, you pay a little. It's up to you to make the decision."
O'Hanley regularly volunteers at the Dartmouth community fridge, which offers free food and hygiene products to hundreds of people per week. She said the need is only growing as the cost of living in Nova Scotia continues to rise.
Elizabeth O'Hanley is a volunteer with the Dartmouth community fridge. (Celina Aalders/CBC)
She said many people who frequent the fridge and its neighbouring food bank at Christ Church are also in need of clothing, which is what inspired Saturday's event.
"Often it's desperate … but, for the most part, everyone's just happy it's a resource," said O'Hanley. "A lot of very grateful folks."
Mina Salym shopped for winter clothes. (Celina Aalders/CBC)
Sustainable shopping brought some people to the event.
Mina Salym, who moved to Nova Scotia from Mexico two years ago, combed through the racks hoping to find some winter clothes for her family.
"I look for activities about the circular economy," said Salym. "All the kinds of activities that include this concept [are] very important for me, for the planet."
Fatima Shiha volunteers at the community fridge at least once a week. (Celina Aalders/CBC)
Saturday's pop-up shop was planned by teenagers who volunteer at the community fridge. They include Grade 10 student Fatima Shiha, who helps out at least once a week.
Shiha, a Syrian refugee, decided to volunteer as a way to give back to the community that's welcomed her.
"I like to help any people," she said. "When we give anything they will be happy and thank us."
The money made Saturday will go toward buying groceries for the fridge. It's restocked every day and is open 24/7 on Dundas Street.
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