By Don Gingerich & Ayman Eldesouky
Published in June 2021
Barb Harrigan was one of the first customers to enter WASL (Worth A Second Look) after we opened in 2006. She enjoyed garage sales and thrift stores and loved the treasure hunt involved. Barb was not a customer for long. She soon decided to join our efforts to recycle goods, provide items for all levels of income and to raise money for TWC. Barb was soon working as a volunteer, 4 to 5 days a week, sorting, pricing, and treasure hunting. These activities are what drew Barb in but over time she found a greater reason to stay and consequently became an important part of the WASL community for the next 15 years.
Barb found a way to practice her deep faith in caring for everyone regardless of their circumstances, status, or abilities. Barb had a heart for everyone and many were those who lived a very different life than what she was used to. There were many times when she was amazed by the behaviours and the stories of customers and volunteers. There were a few times when Barb was stretched to the point of giving up but then she would stretch more than she thought possible.
Barb learned to appreciate and embrace the “community” that makes WASL so much more than a retail store. She befriended and cared for many people facing complex challenges in their lives. She patiently accepted and came to understand the immense obstacles that many people face. Standing at her pricing table she was always ready to listen, it was part of her work of building community. Barb was talented at inviting new people into the store and teaching them the jobs that needed attention. In this way she often helped newcomers find meaningful work that suited their abilities. She would watch out for them and build relationships that lasted years.
Barb cared deeply for people and lived her faith every day. Barb was and remains an inspiration to others. What she gave to WASL and to many of us, cannot be captured in a few words. Barb is greatly missed but very lovingly remembered.
