Quinte West, Ontario: The Branch is a brand new thrift store in downtown Trenton, operated by Three Oaks Foundation. Gale Cole, a former staff member of Three Oaks Foundation, is the volunteer manager of the store and amongst the volunteers helping at the store are other former staff of the agency. “Three Oaks has been providing services to women and children in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties for 35 years,” said Sandy Watson-Moyles, Executive Director of the Three Oaks Foundation. “We are the only service mandated to provide shelter to these two counties and all the workers in the store are volunteers so we can raise as much money as possible for programs and services.”
The Branch is located at 86 Dundas Street West and is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm. They hope to expand the hours in the future and The Branch is looking for volunteers to work Saturdays, and possibly Sundays especially during the summer months. All money raised goes to offset the cost of the store, any surplus goes directly in to programs, and services for the shelter, second stage housing and community based programs including a satellite counselling office in Trenton. “We are still required to fund raise a portion of our operating costs for the shelter and services, and our second stage housing receives no ongoing government funding to support this service,” said Watson-Moyles.
Three Oaks is always looking for donations that will support a woman in any way to help set her up on her own. A single knife and fork for someone who has nothing can mean the difference between eating certain types of foods. Unfortunately, they do not have access to a lot of storage and are not able to transport large pieces, so although they are needed Three Oaks can only access them at the time they are needed. The Branch is looking for good quality, women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, and including outwear, shoes and accessories. All donations can be made at the shelter in Belleville or by calling 613-966-3074 for information. Clients in residence have access to all donated clothing first at no charge and any surplus is sorted and brought to the store for sale. Three Oaks is very appreciative of the kindness and support shown by the Quinte West community, for more information on volunteering or other programs, contact Leah Morgan, Training & Education Coordinator at 613-962-1234 ext. 307 or by email at leahm@threeoaks.ca
