Merry Christmas to city council!
I have just read an article on page 3 of a recent Citizen. The article is in regard to a thrift shop that has been operating from sometime in the sixties, helping people. It is open every Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
We have a very small group of ladies, most of us over 80-years-old, that work every Wednesday at St. Michael's Anglican Church in the basement.
St. Michael's hands out lunches on certain days as well. There is talk they cannot afford to keep doing that.
We are from Knox United Church sharing with St. Michael's on Wednesdays.
On Fridays, the Anglican members look after the little thrift shop. We supply clothing, bedding, dishes, as well as whatever is donated. I say supply because if someone is in need we supply them, no charge! Babies clothes are 25 cents, children's clothing is 50 cents, adults, shirts, pants, etc. are $1. Winter coats, boots, go to a person if needed, no charge.
Not long ago we outfitted a single mom who was going for a job interview and at that moment needed help. We were so proud to see how she felt leaving our thrift shop.
A grandmother came in asking if she could have some baby clothes as a granddaughter was expecting and had no money. Shirts are frequently given away to someone job hunting.
And the city wants us to pay taxes!
By the way we do purchase a business licence every year.
Besides selling at the thrift shop we give money to send children to Ness Lake Bible Camp each summer. We just recently donated $200 for school lunches where students were in need.
We, also, donate to A.C.E. where challenged people go for a regular meal everyday and companionship.
We met with B.C. Assessment last spring to go over all this. They finally dropped the assessment down so, as we understood, we would not have to pay taxes. We had been in touch with the mayor, and again understood, taxes would be nullified.
After reading the article it seems the council needs to get greedy and chase charities, that are truly charities that benefit our community, out of the business of helping people.
Perhaps they should be looking at their wages as well as union wages.
Maybe we could take a collection up from city hall to help pay the taxes. The money we take in, in a year, with the combined two churches will not cover the taxes!
To compare a very small, charitable thrift shop, which is open eight hours a week, to an operation such as the Salvation Army or St. Vincent de Paul is absurd.
I find it hard to believe that city council cannot take a closer look at different situations, and use some common sense as to the size and income for our operation in our little basement thrift shop.
So the only alternative is we have to close shop, which would be a sin, in my world.
We invite you, mayor and city councillors, to visit us at St. Michael's. We are not asking for a handout or a grant.
We want you to look at our situation and show some understanding of what we stand for and do for our community.
Margaret Lloyd
Prince George
