At Hospice Halifax, we’re committed to supporting patients and their families during at end of life. One way we do this is through our social enterprise, The Compassionate Closet. The Compassionate Closet is a unique thrift store that not only provides affordable clothing and household items but also supports the work of Hospice Halifax.
We asked Mary McLean, the Manager of The Compassionate Closet, to answer a few questions for us this month. Mary joined the team of The Compassionate Closet in November of 2019. Mary has a MEd in Education, Counselling from Acadia University and has worked in family and grief counselling both in Nova Scotia and British Columbia. Mary worked with The Colchester East Hants Hospice Society as well as taught Palliative Care Education to CCA students.
What is The Compassionate Closet?
“The Compassionate Closet is more than just a boutique thrift store – it’s a place where people from all over the HRM (from Downtown Halifax to Sackville and beyond!) can come together to make a difference, and purchase with a purpose. By shopping at The Compassionate Closet in Lower Sackville location, you’re not only getting a great deal on high-quality clothing and household items, but you’re also making a tangible impact on the lives of our patients and their families.
We take great pride in the items offer at The Compassionate Closet. Each item is carefully curated and inspected before being put on the sales floor, so you can trust that you will find amazing prices and high quality items while also making a difference. Our staff and volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable, and they’re always happy to help you find the perfect thrifted piece or answer any questions you may have.”
Why Shop at The Compassionate Closet?
“The Compassionate Closet is not your average thrift store. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality clothing and household items at affordable prices. All of our products are carefully curated and inspected before being put on the sales floor. We also have a wide range of items to choose from, including men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, as well as accessories, a small collection of books, and household items. Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of clothing or a special gift for a loved one, The Compassionate Closet has something for everyone.
When you shop at The Compassionate Closet, you can feel good about where your money is going. All of our profits go directly to supporting Hospice Halifax, which means you’re making a direct contribution to our organization.”
What Makes The Compassionate Closet a Social Enterprise?
“As a social enterprise, The Compassionate Closet has a unique mission that sets us apart from other thrift stores. Our primary goal is to support the work of Hospice Halifax, and all of our profits go directly to the organization. This means that every purchase you make at The Compassionate Closet helps support end-of-life care services in our community. “
How can I help The Compassionate Closet?
“The Compassionate Closet isn’t just a place to shop – it’s also a place to volunteer. As a volunteer, you’ll be an integral part of the team, working alongside staff members to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for our customers. There are many ways to get involved, from sorting and organizing donations to assisting customers and working on special events and fundraisers.
Volunteering at The Compassionate Closet is a rewarding experience in many ways. Not only will you be helping to support a worthy cause, but you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with others in your community and make new friends. Many volunteers find that working at The Compassionate Closet is a great way to build new skills, gain experience, and enhance their resumes.”
Whether you’re shopping or volunteering, your support of The Compassionate Closet is crucial to our mission at Hospice Halifax. We’re truly grateful for the support we receive from our community through The Compassionate Closet. Your contribution helps us continue to do the important work we do, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to serve you. So come visit us at The Compassionate Closet, and together, let’s make a difference in the lives of those in need.
