A celebration took place at Christ Memorial Church, Oshawa on May 22 to mark the closing of the Christ Church Community Nursery School. The school provided pre-school education to the local community for more than 60 years. Opening in 1947, it met the needs of an increasing population and supported many children and their families. It was run by a volunteer board of directors made up of church members. However, with changing times, the school closed in 2015.
In 2019, a group of church members saw a need and started a small thrift shop, which evolved within the same rooms as the Christ Church Community Nursery School, continuing the church’s history of outreach ministries addressing the needs of the local community.
The Sunshine Family Thrift Shop was established in November 2022 with a full board of directors establishing rules and guidelines for safe and effective business operations. Volunteers were recruited and the shop reopened under the leadership of co-managers Jane Havens and Jo-Ann Thow.
The thrift shop has become a preferred stop for those seeking good quality items at low prices. Our customers place a great deal of importance on the value of reusing, recycling and repurposing and have become regular donors as well as shoppers. Giving back to the community while offering friendly, personal service is our goal. Lives have been supported, shaped and changed here.
The Sunshine Family Thrift Shop is a valuable and needed ministry in our community and is living out our desire to make Jesus known and love God as we love our neighbours as ourselves.
Submitted by Margaret Wilkinson
Lessons learned on the missional journey