By Ayman Eldesouky & Don Gingerich
Published in December 2020
Worth A Second Look is much more than a second hand retail store. It is a gathering place, a community for St. John’s Kitchen folk, volunteers, and customers.
On July 7th, 2020 we re-opened the store to the public after being closed for 3 months. Due to COVID-19, we were forced to limit the number of volunteers, reduce our capacity, reduce our hours, and implement strict safety regulations in order to keep our customers safe. Our attention to detail while following these safety precautions has given our community a feeling of trust and security and we continue to welcome many customers while navigating these challenging times. Since re-opening our doors, 44,000 items have been sold, 320 items have been delivered to our customers in Kitchener-Waterloo, and we have provided a free pick-up service to assist those who are unable to come in themselves.
WASL provides support to many people including those on the fringes of society. This support is given through moving help, tents, sleeping bags, blankets, and clothing at low or no cost. We also work in collaboration with other community organizations such as Lutherwood. St. Vincent de Paul to provide furniture, housewares, and electronics to low income individuals who have recently been housed.
WASL is a place that listens carefully to try and determine the needs of our community members and then problem solve with individuals to find solutions. This way of being requires flexibility and willingness to do things that many places are prevented from doing due to rigid policies and expectations. WASL is based on service and openness to all regardless of social standing or other factors. We are able to persist as an important resource for our community because of the generous donations we receive and we are able to thrive because of the time and attention offered by our crew of volunteers to the wide community we serve.
