SUNDRE — The non-profit community organization that runs the Sundre Thrift Shop to raise funds to support the local hospital is reminding residents that a temporary no-child policy is in place as a result of pandemic protocols.
Operated by the Sundre Hospital & Care Centre Auxiliary Society, the thrift shop is a freestanding store that is not a part of the Myron Thompson Health Centre, formerly the Sundre Hospital and Care Centre.
“The auxiliary makes the decisions on how to run the business,” reads a portion of a statement issued last week by president Vi Ellithorpe in response to emailed questions.
“Due to COVID-19, the auxiliary has implemented a number of precautions to ensure the health and safety of their volunteers and patrons. This includes not allowing children under the age of 12 into the store. The precautions are in place to protect both our customers and volunteers, many who are over 70 years of age.”
Since the official declaration of the pandemic last March until today, the shop has been forced to manage with an even more limited number of volunteers who must also factor in enhanced cleaning procedures to reduce the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission, including steps such as wiping down and sanitizing any items touched by the public, her statement reads.
“We care deeply about our community and want to continue providing our thrift shop service safely. Staffing limitations must be balanced with the enhanced cleaning protocols we have put in place.”
While the auxiliary decides how to operate the shop, the temporary ban was introduced following a coordinated effort with Alberta Health Services.
“AHS’ Volunteer Resources, Infection Prevention and Control and the auxiliary made this decision in order to limit the number of items being physically touched in the store.”
In 2019, the auxiliary raised about $78,000, primarily through the thrift shop but also in part from individual donations. Because of the pandemic, that amount dropped in 2020 to $29,000.
“Funds from the thrift shop help fund purchases of medical equipment and furnishings for the Myron Thompson Health Centre.”
Recent equipment purchases facilitated by funds the auxiliary raised include the acquisition of two glidescopes valued at $12,800, as well as monitors for Connect Care worth about $37,500.
The ban is not permanent nor intended to single out parents with young children.
“We want to apologize to anyone who feels they have been inconvenienced by our COVID-19 precautions and hope they understand the reasons why we made the decision to implement these temporary measures.”
