A new shop will soon be opening its doors in Langford, in hopes of helping more women in the West Shore and the rest of the region.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e really excited,B次元官网网址� said Victoria Women in Need Community Co-operative (WIN) executive director, Clare Yazganoglu. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e been wanting to expand to the West Shore and Langford for a long time now.B次元官网网址�
WIN operates with the mission of creating real opportunities for local women and their families to be self-sufficient and employed through a number of programs. It works to assist them from a time of crisis to a time of self-reliance and wellness.
To do this, the non-profit organization operates several resale stores that not only provide services for the women they aid, but fund (along with financial donations) the programs and services WIN offers.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e totally self-sustaining,B次元官网网址� Yazganoglu said.
One of those programs gives women gift certificates to spend at the resale stores to help them purchase items they may need to get back on their feet.
B次元官网网址淲e work with over 15 program partners to issue those gift certificates,B次元官网网址� she added.
Other programs provide women with items to furnish their new living spaces, work to set achievable goals, and provide funding for further education or other self-development. On average, WIN helps 1,000 women every year.
By opening a location on the West Shore, Yazganoglu said, it will give more accessibility to some of their clients and partners, even those in Sooke.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檒l just be much closer,B次元官网网址� she said.
The Langford location, opening Jan. 18 at 129-735 Goldstream Ave. near DarcyB次元官网网址檚 Pub, will be the fourth store for the non-profit and will have a variety of items for sale including clothing, accessories, jewelry, collectable items, books and electronics. The location will not be selling furniture due to space limitations.
It is also those space limitations that will restrict the store from accepting any donations, Yazganoglu said. B次元官网网址淔or now our plan is to bring our truck out B次元官网网址� and accept donations that way.B次元官网网址�
While they are still working away to stock the store before opening the doors, she is positive the space will flourish with the support of the West Shore community.
B次元官网网址淚 think itB次元官网网址檚 an opportunity to expand our programs B次元官网网址� WeB次元官网网址檙e thinking about what new program partners we can work with.B次元官网网址�
By having a storefront in the local community, she said, it will make it that much easier to develop partnerships and expand services on the West Shore.
To mark the opening, the newest WIN resale store is holding a grand opening day on Thursday, Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
For more information about WIN services and programs go to womeninneed.ca.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com
