Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of My Sister's Closet

The 20th Anniversary of My Sister's Closet - Stylish Eco Thrift Store is one to be celebrated. There are two locations: One is at Seymour and Helmcken and the other is on Commercial Drive. The location at Seymour and Helmcken is dear to me as I volunteered there for many years and will continue to shop there. Yes, it is open and also takes donations every day of the week. 100% of the proceeds go directly to programs and services for women, victims of violence. Did you know that in 2020 BWSS answered 32,000 requests for support from BWSS services? On the 20th anniversary, Angela Marie MacDougall, Executive Director of BWSS, had this to say about the store and its goals and accomplishments:

“At My Sister’s Closet, 100% of our proceeds go into funding life-saving services at BWSS. Shopping with us supports victims and survivors of sexualized and domestic violence, and makes a meaningful difference that is felt throughout the community. Plus, thrifting is a great way to shop intentionally and sustainably, and fight climate change at an individual level. Since we first opened in 2001, My Sister’s Closet has prevented at least 1 million pounds of fabric from ending up in landfills. We’re really proud of that.”

You can read popular Vancouver Rebecca Bollwitt of Blog Miss 604's coverage on this special occasion here as well.

We all celebrate 20 years of supporting women, educating through violence prevention programs and promoting style for confidence and empowerment and sustainable practices: reducing waste, reusing and recycling. My Sister's Closet has been part of Vancouver Fashion Week, Eco Fashion Week, and many other Fashion Events, as well as producing its own. My Sister's Closet volunteers often help out with other agencies supporting women. They have much to share, but also keep up the circle of learning and community building. Donations of clothing, accessories and small items for auction are usually first in the process, but extra sewing, social media support, photography, modelling support, and more are available if needed. An example of their collaboration with other agencies was with the Downtown East Side Women's Resource Centre event called Her Story. You can read more about it here. My Sister's Closet is a welcoming place that provides training and experience to and for all women: volunteers and shoppers alike. 

Despite some very challenging times during Covid, My Sister's Closet was able to continue an adapted range of services. Read long time Volunteer and Fashionista Dianna Drahanchuk's perspective on how My Sister's Closet has adapted during COVID.

So celebrations are certainly in order! It is most important to donate and visit. By the way, Vancouver Fashion Week is coming right up, Oct 22-24, with a combination of live and virtual shows. One of my favourite looks purchased at the Seymour and Helmcken store is featured below. My whole outfit, including the shoes, fit to a tee and yes, a Volunteer helped find the pieces and accessorize the look! There is still time for you to come on over and your look for the #VFW letters. Once again, let's celebrate their success and their many invaluable contributions! Bravo and thank you!

Special thanks to Mackenzie Bentley of Cold Water PR!