Starting today designer clothing, handbags and shoes will be for sale at a pop-up boutique at Royal Rose Gallery in Aurora.
Thursday evening, ahead of the official opening, invited guests were treated to wine, cheese and a sneak peek at some of the designer merchandise that will be up for grabs.
Run by local charitable organization Abuse Hurts, the gently used merchandise at Hope Boutique costs just $15 to $20 while brand new bathing suits (originally $200) are $30.
All Proceeds will benefit Abuse Hurts as well as the local shelters and children’s, victim’s and women's services agencies it supports.
Both Julie Argouin and Lise Belzile were able to find several things to buy but Belzile said her motivation for buying was the charity's cause more than the price.
"You couldn't come in here and not buy anything," Argouin added.
Courtney Gedeon, host of Mental Health Matters on Rogers TV said while she's a Newmarket resident and is aware of Delivering Hope, she would "definitely" shop at Hope Boutique if it found a permanent home in Aurora.
Aurora residents may not be aware of the organization's Newmarket boutique, Delivering Hope — even though many of those served by the organization are from Aurora — so this is an opportunity to introduce those residents to it on a smaller scale, said the organization's CEO and founder, Ellen Campbell.
"The stuff we have, for the most part, is very high quality. . . when people support either store they're supporting all the agencies, all the shelters. So by supporting us you're supporting us helping all the other agencies."
Even if a donated item is ripped or deemed unsuitable for resale it's recycled or donated to an animal shelter.
"It all gets distributed one way or another. Nothing goes wasted," said Campbell.
It was Mary Georgopoulos, former owner of Jonathan's Mediterranean restaurant in Aurora, who suggested the organization open a second, permanent boutique location.
Provided enough merchandise can be obtained, a second location is an option based on the pop-up's success, said Campbell.
Abuse Hurts has been operating for more than 25 years but "we're the best kept secret," she said.
Abuse Hurts' goal is to reduce the incidence and impact of abuse through education and public awareness and to assist agencies by providing or referring resources and much needed necessities to their clients. It operates entirely by way of private donations and the proceeds from Delivering Hope sales.
Delivering Hope opened four years ago and acts as both a retail store for clothing, furniture and house wares and an upper level where women and children escaping abuse have free-of-charge access to clothing and necessities. These women are also treated to a hot lunch and the opportunity for a makeover.
"We want them to have a shopping experience; of course they don't have to pay for anything," said volunteer Martha Sheppard. "It's dignity."
Since shelters don't typically have the space for the volume of products available in the boutique, many of the women who visit the upper level are referred to Abuse Hurts by other agencies that "really depend on us to help their clients," Campbell said.
Individuals were so isolated during the height of the pandemic they couldn't reach out for help and now that isolation has subsided the organization is seeing more and more people who need assistance, according to Campbell.
"We're getting all these people who need stuff and of course domestic abuse was up about 30 per cent. . . so the combination of more victims and people just being able to get out."
Campbell said she's hoping to raise $10,000 from Hope Boutique sales but if the sneak peek was any indication the organization is well on its way.
Hope Boutique pop-up is located inside Royal Rose Gallery, 15210 Yonge St. Aurora. It's open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
It will remain open until mid-June.
Delivering Hope is located at 120 Harry Walker Pkwy N. in Newmarket and all merchandise is $10.
.png;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
