Thanks to funding from PacifiCan, administered by the Société de Développement Économique (SDE), La Boussole decided to innovate by developing a social enterprise: Ensemble, an eco-solidarity thrift store.
This project responds to three major issues for us: the employability of our members, encouraging more responsible consumption and having our own funds to finance our projects.
Ensemble thrift store supports people in professional reintegration through the hiring of two contractual workers. These jobs are funded by the British Columbia Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction through the Work Experience Opportunities Grant program. Our two salaried members carry out various missions within this framework: receiving, sorting, storing, mending used clothing in order to give them a second life.
This reuse of textile materials is part of a responsible dynamic, which is very important to us at La Boussole. By proposing a credible alternative to "fast-fashion", which is very harmful to the environment, Ensemble participates at its level in the promotion of a more sustainable consumption. The project also allows us to broaden our offer of affordable clothing to a wider population and is in line with our vocation to fight against poverty in Greater Vancouver.
The products sold will come from a collection of second-hand clothing and accessories, decorative objects and exclusive creations acquired from some of our creative members. All proceeds from the sales will be donated to La Boussole and the funds raised will be used to support new and existing projects in the following areas (non-exhaustive list): housing, health care, harm reduction, homelessness awareness...
Find us very soon at the Greater Vancouver markets (more dates to come, stay tuned):
The Pipe Shop – The Shipyards
115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Sunday, October 16, 2022
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Sunday, December 4, 2022
Heritage Hall
3102 Main Street, Vancouver
Sunday, October 23, 2022
Saturday, November 19, 2022
Sunday, November 20, 2022