Sally MarcAntonio / She's Doin' Good
Vancity, U Pretty!
She’s Doin’ Good
Founder of Gracie’s Thrift Shop pours 100% of sales to support natural disasters, First Nations programs & disability causes.
Meet Sally MarcAntonio. Born in the UK and moving to Vancouver in the 1960s with her husband, she found a home away from home at Trinity Grace United Church. Sally was extremely drawn to the church’s social justice stance and poured herself to similar causes. 2009 was when it all started. Back then, the church was facing financial difficulties. But it was home to a community of church goers. They struggled with staying afloat.
The idea to establish Gracie’s Thrift Shop was conceived. Operating from the church’s basement, Sally built the fundraising business in hopes of keeping the church’s doors open.
“I remember the first sale was in a small basement church meeting room. We raised $80 on the first day. From there we opened every Saturday with the help of 12 volunteers.”
As the church’s financial position improved, all sales proceeds are donated away.
Today, 100% of the proceeds are donated back to the community and global causes to support natural disasters, local scholarships for education, animal rescues, health care, street outreach, First Nations programs, disability justice, and other causes.
In 2019 alone Gracie’s raised over $15,000, which they have donated to various worthwhile causes. Their customers have become friends and the shop; a gathering place for friends and neighbours.
These days, Sally likes to read, have a nice meal, go for walks with her yorkiepoo and shihtzu pups. She still runs Gracie’s Thrift Shop together with her husband David and her supportive volunteers Fanny, Karen, and Julianne.
Keep a lookout for upcoming activities hosted by Gracie’s!
In April, take part in an Indigenous workshop where attendees will learn how to make drums and dreamcatchers!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraciesThriftStore/
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/gracies_thrift
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graciesthriftstore.van
Website: https://tgucvan.com/shop/
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