The REAL Deal Reuse Store is celebrating a milestone this year – 10 years at its 85 William St. W. location. REAL, the environmental non-profit that runs the store, is asking donors and customers to help them celebrate on Saturday, June 30th. Receive 20% off your purchases that day (some restrictions apply.) Everyone will be offered a homemade celebration cookie, as well as a chance to enter a draw. First prize will be rain barrel, a great addition to any yard to help reduce water use. The barrels normally sell for $55 plus tax. Two $20 gift certificates to the REAL Deal store will also be awarded. With the great deals to be had at the store, $20 goes a long way.
The store opened for business at its current location in June 2008, accepting and selling gently used household and renovation items. Last year the REAL Deal handled 43 tonnes of used materials and collected almost 40 tonnes of end-of-life electronics. The REAL Deal operates with limited paid staff, in addition to many volunteers, who contribute 4,000 hours per year. New volunteers are always welcome! If you have some time to spare, drop in to the store at 85 William St. W. to fill out a volunteer application, or see www.REALaction.ca. Store hours are Thursday – Saturday 10 a.m – 4 p.m., and for the summer, Sundays noon – 4 p.m.
Photo: The building at 85 William St. W. is owned by the Town of Smiths Falls. Before REAL was offered the use of the facility, the Public Works Department used it to service their vehicles. REAL made a number of modifications to the building before the store opened, including adding a customer door!
