Squamish ReBuild is getting ready to celebrate its first birthday and general manager Inis Leblanc has plenty of reasons to cheer.
The non-profit store has diverted nearly 81 tonnes of waste from the landfill and Leblanc said she's been impressed by the way the community has embraced her store's concept.
"Overall it's been an amazing and exciting journey," she said. "We've gotten a great response from the community and the most common comment we've heard is that this is such a great idea and we're so glad you're here."
Leblanc originally got the concept for the store in 2009 after learning about The Rebuilding Centre in Portland, Ore. in the book Good News for a Change by David Suzuki. Leblanc decided that her dream job would be to open her own rebuild centre with the goal of promoting sustainable practices.
"We basically provide people with the opportunity to do the right thing," she said. "People feel good about being part of the solution."
She said the store did face minor obstacles in the early stages but has managed to overcome them and thrive.
"It's kind of a new concept, so I think some people were a little unsure of exactly what we are and what we do," she said. "Part of the challenge is that people just don't think that way yet. Part of our mission is to change the way people think about waste. It's not really waste if someone can still use it."
Leblanc said she's been encouraged by the number of people coming to Squamish ReBuild to not only save money but to help reduce the strain on the local landfill.
"People think they have to go to Home Depot or Rona for their building supplies but now more and more people are coming here first and seeing if they can get it used," she said. "But it's not just about saving money because a lot of people shop here because they want to be part of the solution."
One of the highlights for Squamish ReBuild in its first year of operation was winning the Green Business of the Year award from the Squamish Chamber of Commerce in June.
"That was a major thing for us, because it's us being recognized by the local business community," Leblanc said. "But I've really enjoyed the great feedback from the people coming in and discovering us."
In recognition of the first year of Squamish ReBuild, Leblanc is inviting the community to come to the store on Saturday (Sept. 22) for a celebration. Everything in the store will be 50 per cent off and there will be cake and refreshments from noon to 4 p.m. Leblanc has also invited Karen Yaremkewich from Endure Designs to put on an upcycling demonstration.
She added that the store is always looking for volunteers and anyone looking to help out can find out more information at www.squamishrebuild.ca.
