The Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Thrift Shop in Yarrow is now being rebuilt following a suspected arson in May.
Doug Willms, MCC BC provincial thrift shop coordinator, said it was first thought that the store – located at 42232 Yarrow Central Rd. – would have to relocate.
But it has since been determined that the damage was not as extensive as initially believed, and the store is being rebuilt.
“The fire- and smoke-damaged areas of the store are currently under construction. We can’t say exactly how long it will take to finish the restoration but we are hoping to re-open by the end of summer,” Willms said.
Donations will be accepted at a later date.
The Yarrow site is one of 10 MCC thrift shops in B.C. that raise funds for the relief, development and peace work of the MCC in over 50 countries around the world. Last year, they contributed more than $1.4 million.
The Yarrow MCC Thrift Shop has its roots in the 1940s, when local Mennonites collected clothing to be shipped to needy people in war-torn Europe.
When the war ended and MCC’s efforts expanded globally, warm winter clothing was no longer in demand. It was decided that this clothing would be sold and the funds used for material resources needed overseas.
For more information about MCC, visit bc.mcc.org.