Skip to content

Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Shop closing again as a precautionary measure

Second closure this year will last at least six weeks due to the COVID situation
23524341_web1_2012110-CHC-Thrift-shop-closing-Saturday_2
The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary is taking a pro-active approach and closing the thrift shop as a precautionary measure as of Saturday. (Photo by Don Bodger)

The Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary is taking a pro-active approach amid concerning COVID-19 case numbers and closing the auxiliary-run thrift shop at the corner of Oak and Maple Streets in Chemainus as of Saturday.

There are no cases among volunteers and the wish is to remain COVID-free so the organization has decided to take the step to close partly because of the situation arising from the Ladysmith Health Auxiliary Thrift Shop where positive cases were identified. That hit a little too close to home.

“It’s closing in, the numbers are not going down,” said Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary president Diana Lenihan.

“We could take a chance of continual opening, but you almost have to assume now whoever comes through those doors is a potential (for spreading the virus).”

The closure will remain in effect until Jan. 14, 2o21 when the situation will be re-evaluated.

The shop is currently stocked with Christmas items and plenty of warm clothing for the season that will come in handy for so many which makes it that much harder to close now.

The full statement from the auxiliary executive reads as follows:

“The safety of our senior volunteers, staff and valued customers is and will always be our first priority. Closure is never taken lightly, especially at this time of the year with the cold weather, layoffs and the holiday season upon us.

“Even with all our stringent safety protocol in place, the continual rise in the numbers of cases of COVID-19 and the close proximity of all the known cases, we do not feel comfortable gambling with the health and possible lives of those we care about. We made the decision to close our doors, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. and will remain closed to Jan. 14, 2021 where at this time the executive will re-evaluate the need of closure.

“Please check our website – Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary – and our Facebook page for any updates. We thank you all for your understanding and we wish you all a safe and merry holiday season.”

23524341_web1_2012110-CHC-Thrift-shop-closing-Saturday_3
The block where the Chemainus Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Shop sits is going to be quiet again with the closing of the thrift shop Saturday. (Photo by Don Bodger)


Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
Read more



Secondary Title