St. Paul’s boutique in Banff closed its doors for the last time last week.
After three decades of providing used clothing and small household items at minimal cost to those working and living in Banff, a decision was made to close.
There was simply no longer enough volunteers to keep the popular thrift shop at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church going any longer. The last sale was Thursday (May 26).
“It’s very sad because it’s filled a real need in town and has been appreciated, but the reality is, life has changed,” said Leslie McNutt, who began working at the boutique about 28 years ago.
“It’s been amazing. St. Paul’s has done this as a community outreach because we felt there was a need in the community,” she added.
“We just don’t have the people left to do it. It’s a real shame, but unfortunately we’re at the point where we have to give it up.”
The used clothing boutique has been run out of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church on Banff Avenue for about 30 years – give or take.
Those new to town could always find clothes or small household items to start them up, and it has been very popular with young families, too.
The money raised through selling items – donated by the community – went to the church; however, the boutique has also donated $1,000 each year to the local food bank.
With a large group of people from the Philippines using the boutique – which was known affectionately as Philippine Mall – the boutique also donated $500 to the Philippines Relief Fund.
And what did not get sold last week is being sent to Slave Lake, where thousands of people were forced to flee their homes mid-May when fire destroyed about 40 per cent of that town.
The boutique could not have been the success it was for so long without the generous commitment of so many people in the community.
“We have had wonderful people who have been doing it for years and years, and they’ve contributed greatly,” said McNutt. “We’ve also had people who had no other connection with the church and did this for years as a gift to the community.”
McNutt wanted to stress that there are still other places in town where people can buy used clothing and small items at a minimal price.
Among them are the United Church and a private company in Sundance Mall.
“There are places in town that offer something similar and that can help out: we’re not leaving people with nothing,” said McNutt.
“We hope loyal customers will find that and be looked after.”
