The Purple Peacock in Kentville, N.S. is a thirft shop that is operated by the Valley Connect Outreach Association who provide community outreach services around the Kentville area. Photo: Purple Peacock/Facebook.
A fire in Kentville has caused significant damage to The Purple Peacock, a thrift shop operated by the Valley Connect Outreach Association (VCOA).
The owner, John Andrew, estimates the loss to be in the tens of thousands of dollars. “Obviously the property itself is insured but all of our donations were lost and there is no way to get them back,” said Andrew.
The cause of the fire, which broke out on Tuesday afternoon in a two-storey commercial building on Aberdeen Street, is still under investigation. No injuries were reported, but the blaze led to evacuations from surrounding businesses, and traffic in the downtown area had to be detoured as crews battled heavy smoke.
The Purple Peacock, which just celebrated its one-year anniversary, operates as a social enterprise supporting the VCOA. The shop not only sells donated items but also provides training and employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to work.
Profits from the store go directly into supporting the association’s charitable work, including running shelters and a soup kitchen for vulnerable individuals in the area.
Although the loss of the shop will mean a revenue hit for the VCOA Andrew indicated that they have every intention of continuing to offer all of their community outreach services. “It will be challenging but I’ve already had so many of our volunteers reach out to see what they can do to help, and ready to do whatever is needed,” said
Anyone looking to support the Purple Peacock or the VCOA can find more information on how to do so through their website.
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