From left to right: Kevin Arbuckle (VJH Foundation), Winnie Needoba, Sandra Borden, Judy Ells, Pat Sheridan, Gladys Loucks, Marge Burtch, Kathy King (Front Row) Pam Krazanowski, Shirley Allen, Betty Bifano, Harriette Minamide, Alex Edlund, Jackie Keesey.

Image Credit: Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation

ARMSTRONG - The Bargain Bin in Armstrong may be a place for thrifty shoppers, but there’s no scrimping going on when it comes to the store’s longstanding history of giving back to the community.

The shop, which is run by the Armstrong/Spallumcheen Health Care Auxiliary, has now donated more than $1 million to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Association. The milestone came this year, after they presented a check for just over $123,500, bringing their cumulative donations over the years to $1,088,499, according to a media release from the foundation.

The auxiliary has been supporting the foundation since 1996. The Auxiliary began in 1934 to mend sheets and gowns for the local hospital and has grown to provide financial assistance for local health care initiatives.

“The Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation board of directors wishes to thank the dedicated team at the Armstrong/Spallumcheen Health Care Association for their ongoing support to ensure vital health care needs are met in the North Okanagan,” foundation president Elise Allan says in the release.
 
The Bargain Bin Thrift Shop is located at 3445 Pleasant Valley Rd. in Armstrong and is operated by a dedicated group of more than 60 volunteers who spend roughly 24,000 hours a year processing donations, selling merchandise and operating the store. Community members donate clothing and household items, which are then sold at affordable prices, with proceeds benefitting local health care.

“I would to thank the ladies of the auxiliary for all the time they volunteer to make the Bargain Bin the special place it is,” association president Jackie Keesey says. “Our gratitude goes out to the citizens and shoppers who support health care in our community by supporting us.  All dollars go back to local health care needs.”

This year’s donation will go towards a number of projects, including the annual Light a Bulb Campaign, equipment at the Pleasant Valley Manor and Parkview Place, and a Music and Memory program, among other areas.

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