THUNDER BAY -- The Precious Bundles clothing assistance program has found a new home.
After it was announced just three weeks ago that the charity could face closure, they have found a signed a lease in a Westfort building for two years.
“We’re extremely grateful,” said volunteer board member Emily Shandruk.
The Precious Bundles clothing assistance program collects, sorts and delivers nearly 350 bundles a year through the work of volunteers, and serves more than 600 families per year.
Earlier this month, the organization said it couldn't afford a 45 per cent increase in the rent at its current facility. The charity made a plea to the community for a new space, needing it to materialize before July 1.
Sure enough, a family-owned building on Brock Street helped them out. Shandruk said she was overwhelmed by the community support and speediness of the response.
“The way in which the community came forward was beyond of any of [the board’s] expectations,” Shandruk said. “There were even people who were willing to help the charity financially.”
Shandruk said the goal wasn’t to find a stopgap, but to find a new home they could rely on. That’s why the new two-year lease is more than ideal.
“We’re very optimistic… Given some other financial securities we’ve been able to receive our operation is going to be sustainable for the foreseeable future.”
