Creative ways to love our neighbours
THE CHURCH
St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Nanaimo, B.C.
THE CHALLENGE
Connecting with neighbours and supporting a community need for winter clothing
THE IDEA
Free popup store in the church hall
THE COST
Coffee, tea and snacks for visitors to the store
Church warden Joy Adams Bauer explains:
The popup store came out of a meeting idea from a 90-year-old parishioner to encourage parish members to donate warm clothing for Nanaimo families in preparation for winter. We spread the word through community facilities in town, Facebook and our church website.
A team of 15 volunteers sorted the clothing received beforehand, organizing by age and gender. One of our event organizers also created $5 and $10 coupons for shoppers to create a true store experience, and a sense of dignity for those who came to shop. Coupons were made available on-site and at church community events a month before.
The popup store took place on a Saturday in early November. Over a hundred people came throughout the day. Shoppers were able to pick up winter parkas, socks, slacks for men and women, sweaters and hats. After shopping for items they were invited to have a coffee, tea and snack on their way out.
For those interested in doing something similar at their church, my advice would be to organize items ahead of time so it’s easier for people to shop. I’d also encourage treating guests with dignity and respect. There are so many looking for connection, so we should welcome them in a true spirit of hospitality.
There are so many looking for connection, so we should welcome them in a true spirit of hospitality.
We’ve learned that no matter what age you are, you can come up with a great idea and make it happen. There’s a hunger in our congregation for outreach. We had no problem with people saying, “I’ll help.”
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