THUNDER BAY — A 13-year-old registered charity that supplies families in need with gently used clothing, toys and other items is appealing for help to find a new base of operations.
The Precious Bundles clothing assistance program collects, sorts and delivers nearly 350 bundles a year through the work of volunteers.
A spokesperson says the organization can't afford an increase in the rent at its current facility, and may have to close its doors.
"We were forced out of our space this time last year and we really thought that we had found our 'forever' home in our current space," said volunteer board member and founding partner Wendi Cameron.
Precious Bundles relies on an annual fall raffle as its main fundraiser, and most of the money goes toward the rent. Some of the proceeds are also used to buy new socks, underwear and bottle accessories.
Board member Emily Shandruk said "We recycle gently used socks but believe that all children should have new socks and underwear, so we try to provide new when we can. We try and include these items in every bundle."
The charity is currently investigating options for a new space and is appealing to the community for support in finding a location that it can move into by July 1, 2018.
The group has its own shelving units and is looking for an accessible space of around 800 square feet.
"The impact of us closing our doors would be felt very deeply in our community, Cameron said.
