The first year of life is of paramount importance in the life of any organization, and the first anniversary of The Clothes Line Community Thrift Store in December 2022 was definitely a community celebration.
According to Arlete Azeredo, Manager of Volunteer Resources, Contact Community Services, “Bradford is very closely knit, giving and supportive.”
The celebration was attended by the newly elected Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor and councillors, as well as many community contributors, donors, volunteers and area residents, and it was a great occasion to marvel at a blossoming community’s involvement and desire to be there for each other.
The Clothes Line is, according to Azeredo, “a social enterprise, supporting employment, housing, volunteering services; connecting people in search of assistance and providing full-circle services, as well as addressing referrals by other agencies within the community.”
Branching out of the Contact Community Services, an organization with a proven track record of making a difference within the community, The Clothes Line is an
equalitarian haven for bargain, thrift and antique hunters, as well as those in need of essential items.
While the Bradford location primarily focuses on very affordable clothing, shoes, jewellery, purses and some children’s items, the Alliston location offers larger household items, such as bedding, lighting, small appliances, and much more.
The unique operational aspect of The Clothes Line – the store is operated and run by volunteers, who quite often happen to be a part of other community services and organizations, such as the Out of the Cold Cafe in Bradford and local food banks.
The staff is the driving force at The Clothes Line, and, as an example, Azeredo remembers a homeless customer, who was looking for snow pants and other essential items. When Azeredo reached out to the community by communicating the client’s needs via social media, the response was overwhelming: winter clothes, blankets, and even a tent were quickly received and delivered to that particular customer and other individuals in need.
In case someone is looking for an essential item, but cannot afford to purchase it, a referral can be obtained from Contact Community Services or other partner agencies and The Clothes Line will provide the item free of charge.
Conveniently located at 95 Holland Street West, Unit 104, The Clothes Line also provides volunteering and community hours opportunities for local high school students, and that, according to Azeredo, is when clients become good friends and contributors, and vice versa.
Many local teens and their friends frequent the store in search of a bargain, and often find brand name items for a fraction of a cost. Their patronage
contributes to the organization and community services, and their interest and involvement make The Clothes Line become widely recognized across town.
The Clothes Line is a part of Bradford social life, and their booth can be spotted at the weekly Bradford Farmers' Market in the summer months, and at the annual Carrot Fest. The store is also proud to be a part of the Newcomer Event with Contact Community Services, and to continuously offer the most affordable pricing during the Tent Sale.
It takes a community to make a change in one’s life, and The Clothes Line is definitely a perfect example of individuals making a difference, one step at a time.
The initiative and the support of two female real estate entrepreneurs Anastasia Orlando (“Sold by Anastasia”, Anastasia Real Estate Services), and Rose M. Sorbera (“Close with Rose”, Rose Real Estate Team) led to the overall success of The Clothes Line, thanks to the donated painting services, furniture, light fixtures, mirrors, and much more.
The Clothes Line greatly appreciates the support of local businesses and organizations, such as the Food Basics, The Flower Merchant, Sobey’s, Santos Hair Studio, Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Bradford Plumbing, Bradford Eyecare and many more business owners and donors, who genuinely care about giving back to the community.
The Clothes Line initiatives became a great success and resonated extremely well within the community, according to Azeredo.
The “Fill-A-Purse” campaign provides clients with a purse, filled with essential items, such as shampoo, deodorant, hats, gloves, toothpaste, pens, pencils, and much more (items may vary). The Coats 4 Kids campaign is notorious for it's charitable cause, as it helps children of various ages with essential outerwear and footwear for cold weather. The Community Hope Chest is a direct fundraising initiative to generate the funds for basic needs, which aren’t otherwise covered (dental, eye care, etc.) for individuals and families in need or in an emergency situation.
For more information, to volunteer at the store or to drop off donations, please contact Arlete Azeredo, Manager of Volunteer Resources, Contact Community Services at (905) 778-9058 Ext. 106 or e-mail [email protected]
