The Re-Build-It Centre has been going full-tilt since the doors opened less than two weeks ago with people dropping off and picking up appliances, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, cabinetry, doors, windows, boxes of tiles and household products of every description.
While the official opening isn't until this Saturday, June 4, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the word is already out.
"We've recovered over 12 kitchens now," said Lorna Van Straaten, the interim director of the Whistler Community Services Society. "You don't see cars coming and going from the store all day, but when people do purchase stuff they're big ticket items.
"So far the store has been performing particularly well, and has been very well-received by the community. Now the word is out, the donations are coming in - which was really what we were hoping all along, and the stock is changing daily."
The Re-Built-It Centre operates on the same principle as the Re-Use-It Centre. People can donate new and used building supplies and household appliances to the centre, which people can purchase for reuse in their own homes. The proceeds from the centre go towards the Whistler Community Services Society, which operates the Food Bank, drug and alcohol education programs, Kidsport, and more than a dozen other outreach programs for the community.
The program also diverts reusable items from the landfill.
"The fact that so many people are finding us and bringing donations, or buying things to refurbish their homes, is really exciting," said Van Straaten. "I think it just shows that there has been a real need for this in Whistler."
The-Rebuild-it-Centre had a soft launch during the winter season, but it quickly became clear that they needed an actual space to operate. They found that space in May in Function Junction at 103-1400 Alpha Lake Road. The centre is in the same building as Whistler Printing.
Pictures of the items available will be soon be posted to www.mywcss.org.
