& THE INVERMERE THRIFT STORE

HISTORY

The Invermere Health Care Auxiliary began in the early 1900s. At that time, it was an informal group of ladies, who saw a need in this small community and began volunteering together to raise money to support the local health care. Some of the early ways to raise funds were through selling donated items, sponsoring teas and hosting dinners.

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By the 1960s, the ladies found new ways to raise funds, including: making and selling quilts, sewing baby clothing, selling hot chocolate on a cold day at the lake and starting the tradition of The Thrift Store Fashion Show.

Most of the donated items were stored in the Auxiliary members homes. Operations constantly required moving these items, which created extra work for the ladies and made the fundraising process more difficult.

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The Auxiliary ladies began to yearn for a place where all the items could be stored in one location, a place where the valley residents knew they could find items at a good price.

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In 1976, the search for a rental space began and in 1977, the Auxiliary ladies started operating the very first Invermere Thrift Store, in the lower level of the Lambert Kipp building.

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The Thrift Store grew and in 2001 relocated to the lower level of the Leo Kienitz building. This new space benefited from having a back entrance, in addition to the store's main entrance, which made it easier for people in the community to donate items. 

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Through the years, with the growing amount of donations, the Auxiliary members were concerned about the lack of space for sorting and  displaying the donated goods. The sorting often took place on the ramp, at the back of this location, and occurred outside of the building. This was particularly difficult during the cold winter months. In addition, there was no space to take a rest during a busy shift, and so the Executives of the Auxiliary began, once again, to look for a more suitable location.

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On August 15th 2014 , the Executives of the Auxiliary were successful in the purchase of the lower level of the building located at 1229 7th Ave. The purchase of this property enabled the Invermere Thrift Store to expand considerably with more square footage, a ramp for dropping off donations, and enough space to allow for sorting inside the building. The purchase and ownership of this property requires ongoing cooperation and communication between the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Society and Green Andruschuk LLP, who are located on the upper level.

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After substantial renovations, the Invermere Thrift Store had a grand opening on Thursday, November 13th 2014.

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One of the main benefits of the new location, at the lower level of 1229 7th Ave, is that those people who have mobility challenges are now able to have accessibility to shop in a space that has main street access without any stairs.

After considerable renovations in 2014 and further renovations in the spring of 2019, the Invermere Thrift Store now provides shoppers with a large and bright space and a welcoming atmosphere. Our customers are now able to have a cheerful experience as they browse the large selection of good quality gently-used clothing, housewares, paintings, adult books, kids books, toys, linen and much much more.

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The following is a timeline:

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1910

The Invermere Ladies Auxiliary of the Windermere District Hospital was formed.

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1914

Through fundraising, the Ladies Auxiliary fully equipped the New Windermere District Hospital 

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1956

The Invermere Junior Ladies Hospital Aid to the Windermere District Hospital was formed. Its purpose was to absorb the younger ladies in the community and to assist the Senior Ladies Aid.  Over the years, separate Auxiliaries were formed in Windermere, Edgewater, Brisco and Fairmont. The Senior Ladies Aid disbanded in 1956, and donated all of its funds for purchasing of ambulance and equipment to the maternity and pediatric wards. 

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1972

The Hospital expanded and the Invermere Auxiliary bought items for the hospital expansion and helped to pay for the new patio.

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1977

The Invermere Ladies Hospital Auxiliary opened the Invermere Thrift Store. 

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1978

The Invermere Hospital Auxiliary won honorable mention by the Mineral King Mine as the Thrift Store was able to assist employees who lived at the town site located near the Mineral King Mine, as well as employees that lived in the Windermere Valley who commuted to the mine location.

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1986

BCAHA presented Invermere Hospital Auxiliary with a recognition award for 75 years of service.

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1991

Windermere District Hospital changed its name to Invermere & District Hospital and the Hospital Auxiliary became a Charitable Public Foundation based on direction from the CRA, and filed Tax Returns as a Registered Charity. We were not incorporated as a Society at that time. 

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1992

The Hospital Auxiliary expanded the Thrift Store.

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1997

The Hospital Auxiliary changed its name to the Health Care Auxiliary.

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1998-2010

The name changed to the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary, and all Tax Returns and Charitable Returns were filed under Invermere Health Care Auxiliary.

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2014

Incorporated under the BC Society Act, the name changed to the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Society.