Despite a global pandemic that kept the store closed for almost four months, stringent health restrictions upon reopening, and moving locations in 2020 Home Treasures had an exceptional year. Manager, Caley Breeze says, “We were able to donate back into all local charities and initiatives this year to the tune of $75,000!” No small feat in an unprecedented year. The recipients included:

Cochrane Legion, Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, FCSS Emergency House Unit, Helping Families Handle Cancer, Cochrane Immigrant Services, Bethany Family Council, Cochrane Roping Club, Big Hill Haven Women’s Shelter, Cochrane and Area Events, Friends of Spirit Winds, FCSS Emergency Fund, Student Bursary, Mt St. Francis Retreat Center, Kindred Cochrane Pride, Cochrane Integrated Arts, Cochrane Activettes, Goods in Kind, and Helping Hands.

For those who don’t know, Home Treasures is a not-for-profit thrift store for furniture and home goods items. They take in local donations from the community, refurbish and resell them with the profits going back into all local charities and initiatives. It is a busy store that is supported by the community through donations and purchases. It is run by a small hardworking army of volunteers. Breeze says there are 30 to 40 volunteers that work on a rotational basis.

When asked how they are enjoying their new location at 208 5th Ave. (the old Sears store) that they moved into in January Breeze replies enthusiastically, “We love it! I think that everyone all of our customers, the response has just been overwhelmingly positive. We have such a nicer space it’s bigger it’s brighter. We have actual parking. It made things, donating to us, and shopping with us just so much easier. It’s been amazing so far.”

Of course, Home Treasures is still operating under the health protocols which limits customers to ten people at a time, but it doesn’t seem to be hampering business too much. When you think about it, if Home Treasures could give back $75,000 in an incredibly difficult year, the sky will be the limit for them when the pandemic is behind them. Breeze says they are always taking on new charities and initiatives. Applications can be sent in writing to the board of directors.

They receive donations from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Monday to Saturday.

For more information on store hours or volunteering opportunities go to the Home Treasures website.