Whenever you enter the Knick Knack Nook Re-Use It store, you are bound to see action.
People mingle and wander about the tables, racks and shelves filled with anything and everything one could need or discover. Children play with the toys or read books in their own section. There might be a lineup at the till with customers, arms loaded with treasure, waiting to pay a few dollars.
Further back, behind another counter, volunteers are sorting out bags and boxes filled with donations. There is chit-chat and laughter, occasional groans of dismay at the amount of work to be done. And, continually, people are entering through the back door to bring more donations.
The concept of a re-use it store began in early 2008, with a small group of women who were concerned with the amount of articles ending up in the landfill. Their Mission Statement – to provide a welcoming community service that fosters environmental responsibility through sales of used items in good condition.
The vision became reality. The municipality donated land, the Community Foundation provided start-up fees. Other grants and donations accrued, but a major part of the construction was the donation of labour, expertise and materials by local contractors and tradespeople.
It was a wonderful community achievement and on the Remembrance Day weekend, 2009, Mayor Bob Turner cut the ribbon to declare the store open!
And the Nook has given back to the community... over $1 million so far. From the beginning, profits have been shared. Over $200,000 has been given in environmental and social sustainability grants to many organizations and groups, $85,000 to the Food Bank, $56,000 to Bowen Island Recycling, a whopping $362,000 in scholarships to Bowen Island students entering university. The list goes on.
Surplus clothing and other articles go off-island to Downtown Eastside missions, to Covenant House for youth at risk, to projects on the North Shore working with homeless and marginalized people, to the Salvation Army and other charitable groups.
Even with the 2017 addition of a two-storey building, there is a need for more storage. And now, 15 years on, the Nook is feeling its age. Despite attention and repairs, moisture and condensation from the roof filters through, often onto the goods.
There are signs of mould. Renovation is not possible to the structure of the building and the Board has decided it is time to replace it.
The new building planned will stay on the same footprint, attaching to the extension. Though we have been able to put aside some money, we need to raise funds again to make it a reality. This is a time for the Bowen Island community to help so that the Nook can continue to be a beloved fixture on the island.
