StettlerLocal.com April 15, 2021 @ 1:40pm

On the wall at Stettler Superfluity is a framed list that shows sixty-four organizations Superfluity donated to in 2019. Many of the names on this list are yearly recipients of Superfluity’s hard work and generous spirit. Stettler Regional Child Care, Stettler Ambulance, and Stettler & District Handibus are just a few of the organizations that depend on the organization that is made up of all volunteers and one contractor cleaner.
Superfluity Chair, Lori Larocque, says the group focuses on donating to groups that are within the Stettler and District, but also helps one-off groups and occasional individuals when referred to them by the FCSS.
Since the organization’s inception in 1980, Superfluity has donated over 1 million dollars. Larocque says they have spoken with people at other thrift shops, and they are amazed at how much money Superfluity is able to donate.
“This Community is amazing in way of support.”- Lindsey Laroque, Superfluity Board Chair
Laroque notes that oftentimes volunteers pay for supplies out of their own pocket, allowing Superfluity to keep their costs down, and their donations up. Prior to COVID, the store operated on around 150 regular volunteers. However, with COVID they have been down to half this amount. Many of the volunteers (most of whom are seniors) have chosen to remain ‘off the roster’ as a precaution. Despite the lower numbers of volunteers, she credits them for keeping things going.
A few times over the last year, they’ve had to temporarily suspend taking donations while the volunteers have sorted items, but the donation freeze is only temporary until the volunteers can catch up again. Laroque explains they constantly discuss increasing storage only to be deterred by the fact it cuts down on their sales area.
Larocque says they take a variety of items including clothes, books, toys, and even small appliances but are unable to take large furniture items, and often stay away from used electronics since they can never be certain of the condition.
Larocque explains their costs have gone up recently to cover the increased expenses of cleaning and sanitizing donated items, and they are considering government grants to help.
Even if you’re not a thrift store shopper, volunteers invite people to come to the store and see what they do.

Carson Ellis, Reporter
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