MISSION THRIFT STORE - ATLANTIC CANADA

Project Title:  MISSION THRIFT STORE
 
Client name: BFM Foundation (Canada), a registered Canadian Charity
 
The Challenge: Mission Thrift Store is a volunteer-driven, non-denominational Christian organization that currently operates more than 50 non-profit thrift stores across Canada.
It provides used goods in a department store-like experience for value-conscious shoppers, who can find deals they can feel good about. The stores convert donated goods into cash, and the net revenue is devoted to the joint ministry of BFM Foundation (Canada) and Bible League Canada to support leadership and literacy programs in over 43 countries — giving people access to the life-giving, life-changing, Word of God.
 
Project Details: I served as Director of Store Development (Atlantic Canada) from 2012 – 2018.  My responsibility was to develop Mission Thrift Store in Atlantic Canada. This included recruitment of volunteer Boards of Directors in four Provinces, training and implementation of governance models, land acquisition, building stores from design to opening, recruiting employees and volunteers, marketing strategies, financial and budget forecasting, securing funds by way of capital campaigns and working with all levels of the business community.

The project challenges included simultaneous development in all four Atlantic provinces and coordination with numerous people and both profit and non-profit organizations. I am and was a “hands on and roll up the sleeves” gal who loves a challenge while supporting an invaluable worldwide mission and cause.

Outcomes:  Seven Mission Thrift Stores were successfully developed, established, opened and/or had negotiated agreements in six years. Currently five of these Stores are contributing to national revenues of over $17M, of which over $9M is donated to world missions.

Client testimonial: "Charlene Dill gives her best to whatever she does with passion, joy and commitment, a reflection of her faith and her desire to serve others in a meaningful way. She is personable and friendly, easy to talk to and has extensive experience and knowledge of human resources and business management principles and practices." – Rebecca Leano, Halifax