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Community Impact - Social Need & Health

Business Benefits Everyone

Consumers can find a great deal on home building supplies, businesses have a place to send perfectly good materials they don't need, and clients of the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta have the opporunity to learn about working in a retail setting.

In september 2007, Re-Pete Supplies officially opened in Lethbridge at 361 Stafford Drive N., with the assistance of a grant from the Lethbidge Community Foundation. The store is open tuesday through Friday from noon to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m. "We really appreciate the Foundation for providing us with seed money for this project," said Diane Herrick, Chapter Director. "Re-Pete enables us to earn money rather than simply having yet another fundraiser, and even more importantly it provides our clients with meaningful employment and a great learning experience." According to Diane, Re-Pete supplies has filled a void for clients, providing a way for them to develop & strengthen job skills.

With a smile she admits, "It is working even better than we ever thought. It is amazing. We get busier and busier every day." Re-Pete Supplies stocks new and used home building supplies - everything from windows & doors to lighting, mirrors & more - donated by individuals & businesses. The store is proving so succussful that Re-Pete expects to move into a larger location within the next six months.

Clients who work in the store learn customer relations, dealing with inventory, and other retail skills. "We plan to have about 10 people per year work in the store," said Diane. "re-Pete Supplies provides the hands-on experience everyone needs to learn new skills and gain confidence." When they are ready, clients move on to more challenging jobs in the general workforce.

From the LCF Report to the Community 2007