Tanara Oliveira/Contributor
The WIN Cooperative is reopening its West Shore location as a step toward community engagement and assistance.
The opening of this new location – at #2-310 Goldstream Ave. – represents WIN’s fifth store, following the recent success of their Saanich store launching. In addition to the West Shore location, WIN maintains three well-established Resale Shops in Victoria, as well as a thriving online store.
This cooperative has been a source of support not just for women since it was founded in 2007, but also for transgender, non-binary and two-spirit people.
WIN has developed into a useful resource for the neighbourhood thanks to each store’s vast selection of goods, which include furniture, apparel, literature, kitchenware, design items and home goods.
“By opening this new location, we will be increasing accessibility to program participants living in the West Shore,” WIN program coordinator Nicole Lapierre said. “This community is growing and we are so excited to grow with it to better offer our empowerment programs.”
Residents of the area can benefit from WIN’s numerous activities and initiatives in addition to shopping at the store thanks to its well-chosen location, which makes it easier for them to get there, Lapierre said.
The cooperative’s gift card program, which works with over 30 local groups, is one of its most effective initiatives. Participants in the program get WIN gift vouchers from these partners, enabling them to shop for necessities at retail establishments and starting the process of reconstructing their life.
“Having our gift cards offer program here gives participants invaluable assistance, removing the need to travel to Victoria or Saanich,” said Jasmine Philip, the cooperative’s marketing coordinator.
To contribute to the cause, the cooperative’s staff accept small donations of clothing, household goods and small furniture at 2-310 Goldstream Ave. For larger furniture and appliances, a dedicated donation centre is available at 555 Ardersier Rd. in Victoria.
Volunteer opportunities are offered at Womans In Need’s West Shore site for those interested in supporting the organization.
“If you’re interested in volunteering, you can come into our office or fill out an application online,” according to Philip.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, WIN Cooperative will hold its ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 8 at noon.
For more information about WIN Cooperative, including volunteer opportunities and donation guidelines, visit their website at womeninneed.ca.
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