OLDS — Nu2U, the town-owned thrift store slated to close Dec. 22, will survive after all – but under different ownership.
Through a news release issued today, the Town of Olds announced that the town and the Olds & District Hospice Society (ODHS) have agreed in principle to transfer the operations of the store to the society.
“The details of the transition are being worked on. However, this means the store will not be closing,” the release, issued Dec. 15 said.
On Dec. 5, the Town of Olds announced its intention to cease operating a thrift store and close Nu2U permanently.
Several reasons for the closure were cited, including increasing competition from other thrift stores, poorer quality donations, declining income and a belief that the town should not be competing with private business.
Another factor cited was the retirement of one volunteer who used to do things like shovel snow and take garbage to the dump. Council was told that that led to more work for town staff.
“The decision to close sparked many in the community to express their strong affection for Nu2U and highlighted the value some residents see in having such a non-profit volunteer run thrift store in Olds,” the Dec. 15 news release said.
“Having the hospice (society) take over the thrift store is a fit, aligning with the hospice society’s efforts with fundraising and volunteer support."
The release also said that over the years, the ODHS has been “the single largest benefactor of Nu2U proceeds, receiving over $100,000 in the last decade.”
The release said the hospice society is hoping to continue to offer granting opportunities to other non-profit organizations “as revenues allow.”
The release noted that Nu2U re-sells donated goods -- primarily household items.
“The store provides economical household items for sale and is a place for the community to recycle and repurpose household goods, diverting usable items from the landfill," it said.
“Nu2U would not be successful without the generous donations from community members and the team of committed volunteers that run the store.”
