Delta charity thrift shop forced to close after suspicious fire

DELTA (NEWS 1130) — A thrift store in Ladner that helps raise money for the Delta Hospital has been forced to close after a suspicious fire broke out Sunday night.

Officers were called by the fire department to 48 Avenue and Delta Street shortly after 11 p.m. where a fire had spread from a dumpster to the roof of the Delta Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop. 

The shop is the largest contributor to the charity, which fundraises for medical equipment, programs such as music therapy, and student and staff bursaries.

Closing for the foreseeable future is another blow in what has already been a difficult year.

Angela Smith, the shop’s coordinator, says they were already operating at reduced capacity, and hadn’t yet recovered from a months-long closure in the Spring.

“The more time that we are down, the less money that we are able to raise for the hospital,” she says.

“This is now unfortunately just one more blow to the efforts that we do to raise money for the hospital.”

 

Smith says the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and it’s too early to speculate about how long they will be closed.

Cash donations can be made through the auxiliary’s website, and Smith says support from volunteers, donors, and shoppers have all been key to the shop’s success.

“We always appreciate all the support the community gives us, as well as all of our loyal customers. We are just looking forward to the time ahead, and hopefully we’ll get back on our feet as quick as we can.”