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When Anne first stepped into the Burnaby Hospice Society Thrift Store in early 2008, she had no idea she would still be here over a decade later. Her journey to volunteering wasn’t planned—it was a calling that found her in an unexpected moment.
“My husband spent 70+ days in Royal Columbian Hospital after suffering an aortic dissection and falling off the roof. The staff worked very hard to pull him through, and I felt I should 'give back' in some way,” Anne shares. “I have always loved poking around 2nd hand shops but I have no idea how I found my way into the Burnaby Hospice Society Thrift Store in early 2008. I asked about volunteering and that was that. I'm still here!”
The thrift store has become more than just a place to volunteer—it’s a hub of connection, discovery, and meaningful work. Anne has found joy in sorting and curating books, uncovering hidden treasures, and sharing moments with customers who return time and time again.
“It keeps me busy, and I really enjoy interacting with our regular customers and staff. I have made some nice friends and feel that I'm contributing somehow. As part of a small book team, I enjoy sorting through incoming products, trying to find interesting, topical, or curious/quirky titles to feature that will appeal to our customers (or start conversations). You get to know the sort of thing that interests people. The 'work' is a bit meditative and gets my mind off other things.”
One of the most memorable finds at the thrift store was a green leather wallet tucked among a box of Irish/Celtic books. Anne, drawn to it by her Irish ancestry, gave it a quick glance before passing it along for pricing. Later, another staff member discovered a gold coin hidden inside. It was just one of many unexpected surprises that made the thrift store an exciting place to be.
“Incoming boxes can hold surprises and often lead to lively conversations about the possible history (who owned this?) of the donor. You never know what you’ll find.”
But beyond the books and hidden treasures, the thrift store is about people. Customers form friendships, staff share stories, and volunteers find fulfillment in knowing their time makes a difference.
“We get many positive comments about having interesting titles and how appealing the media area is—people feel welcome, and many have formed friendships with other customers as a result of their regular visits. It is gratifying to see folks enjoying themselves, sharing stories while hunting, and even helping each other find special authors or titles. If they go away happy, I’m happy.”
Anne encourages others to step in and give volunteering a try.
“Don't hesitate to give even a couple of hours of your time. We always need more hands, and there are several areas you can work in. The staff is friendly and welcoming. We all take our 'jobs' seriously and work hard as part of a volunteer team. It is said that by helping others, you can help yourself, and I believe it. Helping is rewarding!”
Over the years, Anne has seen firsthand how Burnaby Hospice Society supports the community, not just through the thrift store but also through its bereavement programs.
“I never gave it too much thought years ago, but I have a couple of friends who have really felt the benefit of BHS bereavement counselling. You think more about the need as you get older.”
For Anne, volunteering at the Burnaby Hospice Society Thrift Store isn’t just about sorting books or selling donated goods—it’s about being part of something bigger. It’s about connection, purpose, and making a difference in the community. And there’s always room for more hands to help.
If you’ve ever considered volunteering, now is the time. Step into the Burnaby Hospice Society Thrift Store and see where the journey takes you.
Blog Story by Marketing and Communications, Burnaby Hospice Society
