Sally Ann celebrates renovations
Jayden Wasney - Oct 18, 2021 - Get Involved

The Westbank Salvation Army celebrated its grand reopening with the community on Saturday after the store received a huge makeover.

To celebrate, The Salvation Army had food and drink available by donation, as well as live music and a magician. Dozens from the community came out to see the revamped store, and connect with staff and volunteers.

Upon entering, customers will notice a brighter, more organized space, filled with more merchandise than ever before.

“We have new paint, fixtures, clothing racks, and we’ve added some gridwall. We had a really awesome design team come in and make the space look great, and I think all the work they did will really help enhance the shopping experience,” community engagement manager Lenetta Parry said.

As the ribbon to officially welcome customers back into the store was cut, the crowd on hand cheered and celebrated. Parry said community spirit and support is what kept The Salvation Army alive during renovations, and she wants to extend her thank you to all volunteers and donors.

“This organization wouldn’t exist without the support of our community. We have senior meal programs, youth programs, emergency food programs, and we provide emergency food and furniture for people in our community. So this is a community organization, and we couldn’t do it without their support,” Parry said.

The Salvation Army has had a difficult 18 months between trying to provide for the community during the pandemic, store closures due to renovations, the pandemic, and the recent wildfires. Parry said she feels a strong sense of gratitude towards everyone who helped make the store’s grand reopening happen.

Westbank First Nation councillor Jordan Coble was one of many politicians on hand at Saturday’s event, and he had the honour of cutting the giant red ribbon with an equally giant pair of scissors. Coble spoke about how the Salvation Army brings communities together.

“Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, I’m so grateful for the Salvation Army and how it brings our community together, not just on days of celebration but in times of need,” Coble said. “It gives us that sense of community that we need to look after one another.”

The store has introduced new hours of operation. From Tuesday to Friday, customers can shop from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. If you’d like to make a donation, the donation station is located on the back side of the building at 3531 Old Okanagan Highway in West Kelowna.


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