New to You Fergus not-for-profit turns everyday generosity into 90 years of impact for Groves Hospital
“It started out in someone’s living room, just collecting some items and seeing if they could sell them to support the hospital.”
Liz Mulligan is the Communications Coordinator for New to You thrift store, owned and operated by the Grove Hospital Volunteer Association (GHVA). While she has only been with the not-for-profit for three years, her history with the organization stretches back decades.
“My grandma has always volunteered here, so I got linked up with it, and I’ve worked here ever since.”
New to You and the GHVA also have a long history in Wellington County. The association began in 1933.
Around the table L to R → Monica Hendel, Shirley Vallis, Dalyce Seaton, Sue Scott, Mary Anne Neville, Kathy Gottfried
“It started with one meeting – it was a women’s auxiliary at that time – and they said ‘any women who are interested in getting together and supporting the hospital, meet at the church,’ Mulligan said.
The thrift store idea started 20 years later, first operating out of someone’s home, and quickly became so successful that the association opened a storefront.
Since 2014, New to You has been located just off Highway 6, at 950 St David St N in Fergus, Ont., and has been completely volunteer-run since its inception.
“It’s all volunteers at the store who greet donors, who sort everything, who are the cashiers, and who are helping customers with everything they need,” Mulligan said. “But then there’s also volunteers at the hospital helping with patient care, and at the Groves Hospital Gift Shop.”
L to R → Kim Platt, Sandy Lin, Marion Sedore, Grace Eisen, Robbin Lovell
The GHVA has raised over four million dollars since 1933, much of which has gone to purchase equipment for the hospital.
“The government will help with funding for the brick and mortar of building a hospital, but most other things are paid for by fundraising,” Mulligan said. “We raised the money for the original CT scanner at Groves, which they just replaced this year.”
The association has also helped to provide the hospital with an ultrasound unit, infusion pumps, an anaesthetic machine, cardiac monitors and much more.
In a statement shared by Director and past GVHA President Linda Benallick, she said:
“Groves Hospital Volunteer Association (GHVA) has been in existence for more than 90 years. During that time, many things have changed. The one constant has been our unwavering support of Groves Memorial Community Hospital. We demonstrate our support in two key ways – we give of our time and the hospital is the only recipient of the funds we raise at the New To You store and hospital gift shop. All levels of staff at the hospital express their gratitude to our volunteers for their daily help and to the GHVA for our ongoing financial donations. It is because of our dedication to the hospital that much needed equipment can be purchased that benefits members of our community.
“What I find most impactful about being involved in the GHVA is that not only is it supporting health care in our community, through our donations to the hospital, but it is also helping to reduce waste by providing the community a way to turn things they no longer use into goods for someone else.”
The nonprofit is well integrated into the community, having connections with The Giving Spot and metal recycling dropoffs. They also participate in community events and volunteer fairs.
“We participate in events such as the Active Living Fair and the Volunteer Fair every year,” Mulligan said. “And in terms of being in the community, I’d say we’re a hub for shopping. There’s always a line on Tuesday morning because that’s when a new sale begins for the week.”
They are proud to support local healthcare not only through fundraising, but also by investing in the future of healthcare workers. Each year, GHVA awards a Post-secondary Healthcare Award to six local students pursuing a career in healthcare.
Mulligan said her favourite part about New to You is the ongoing feeling of community and connection that the not-for-profit provides.
“We have the most amazing volunteers, people who are choosing to give their time in support of Groves and show up every week. It’s a really incredible group of humans who you get to be around.”
Nancy Peer-Ialani and Clare Palmer, the GVHA manager and New To You manager, respectively, shared a statement about the impact this not-for-profit has on the Fergus community:
“The New to You is more than just a place to find affordable treasures, it’s a vital part of our community and a powerful supporter of our Groves Hospital. Every purchase, donation and volunteer hour directly contributes to enhancing patient care, funding essential medical equipment and supporting health programs that benefit everyone in our region. By giving gently used items another life, we promote sustainability, help others to obtain desirable goods at a reduced cost, all while generating funds that help our great hospital deliver compassionate, high-quality care. The NTY also provides meaningful volunteer opportunities and fosters a sense of connection and purpose among community members. Ask one of our volunteers they will tell you the New to You is where friendships are procured, it’s like family. Together, we’re building a healthier, more connected community, one donation at a time.”
New to You’s operating hours are from Tuesday to Saturday from 10AM-4PM, and their donation hours are from Monday to Saturday from 8AM-3PM. Since Highway 6 construction has completed, the store is now fully accessible again.
Ann Ironside, another past GHVA president, longstanding volunteer and member of the redevelopment committee, said, “From a brand new wringer washing machine to what you see today…New To You is an incredible success story.”
To learn more about New to You and the GHVA, you can find their website here.
This article was sponsored by New To You, a 2024 EloraFergusToday Reader Favourite.
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