I belong to many “market” groups on Facebook and I regularly see people who want to put on a market asking for advice from vendors (like myself) on how to organize and facilitate a great event. Vendors and makers are quick to offer advice on what they think is important. I have taken some of the information below from the groups I belong to.
Before vendors or crafters even consider signing up or applying for a market, I think it’s important for them to do their research on the person or company organizing the event. Unfortunately, some scammers will quite easily take the money for the table fees, and then run. Ensuring the legitimacy of the organizers and the event is the most important first step as a vendor. So the important takeaway for the organizer is to make sure they are putting their best self forward and to include their social media contacts, company affiliations, phone number, and email address.
Following is a list in no particular order of what is important to vendors (and shoppers) like myself and what is appreciated.
Make sure the venue has ample lighting, parking, washrooms, and a kitchen/canteen.
Decide on a date and time to hold the event. Secure the spot. Ensure a good relationship with the venue organizers as vendors and makers may call the venue to confirm the legitimacy of the market event. (I have found Saturdays work best and 10 am – 3 pm is a good time frame.) Determine the table fees based on your costs to hold the event.
Determine if liability insurance is needed by each vendor or if it is covered by the venue.
Decide if you want direct sellers (of commercial products), handmade only, or both.
Ensure there is good reception or Wi-Fi available for vendors to be able to use their Square machines to facilitate easy sales transactions.
Determine how many tables you can comfortably fit into the venue event. (30 different vendors is a great number to aim for).
Clearly outline how much floor space each vendor has.
If it’s an outdoor market or there are outdoor spots, let the vendor know if they have to supply their own canopy, tables, or chairs, and any other safety measures that are required (such as weights on the legs).
Put out a request for vendors. Give at least three months’ notice for the event and to vet, curate and secure vendors.
Ensure good email communication (and/or phone calls) and clear expectations of deadlines and updates from the organizers to the vendors.
Clear expectations to the vendors or makers about keeping their display out until the market is over or what they are to do if they sell out of their product (e.g. Hand out business cards, tell the customers where they can get their product, etc.)
The table fee refund policy should be clearly explained.
Request table fees ahead of the sale (e-transfer or credit card is most convenient). Table fees collected day-of sale could mean vendors don’t feel a need to show up or go to a different market they feel will give them more traffic and exposure.
Communicate with clear emails in a timely fashion with lots of notice (at least one month) indicating if the vendor has been accepted or not.
A well-curated event will have only one well-known commercial direct sales vendor at each event (e.g. Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Norwex, Mary Kay).
Vendor Spotlights on social media are a bonus. Have vendors send in their photos of their products and share them on social media.
Professional-looking event notices that can be easily shared on social media and online/in-person (jpegs are better than pdfs for sharing online).
Lots of advertising and promotion leading up to the event so the event has lots of customer traffic. Paid advertising in newspapers and on radio, as well as partnering with other local complementary organizations can help get the word out.
Encourage (or direct) the vendors to also post the event on their social media and to tell their friends on Facebook or Instagram. They can help build up the hype.
Combine the event with other events going on in the area so it attracts more foot traffic.
Plenty of road signage days before and the day of event indicating the venue, visible coming from all directions.
Allow for temporary unloading/loading close to the doors if available. Provide clear instructions and expectations of where the vendors should park to make room for easy access for the customers.
Lots of free parking, close to the event.
“No fee” or “Free entry” for shoppers to attend the event can be a draw but a crapshoot. If needed, presale tickets to the event should have an early-bird discount, while tickets purchased on the day of the event can be regular price.
Low vendor table fees are a good idea if it’s the first event put on by the organizer.
Volunteers to help unload and load back up is always appreciated.
Allow at least one hour for setting up before the doors open to the public. (More time is also appreciated.)
6′ or 8′ banquet tables (clearly stated in the vendor application) with comfortable chairs (2 per vendor).
Access to electricity if available (for an extra fee is okay).
Clearly identified tables are assigned in a well-arranged fashion.
Make sure there are not more than 2 or 3 vendors of the same item and ensure they are not set up near each other.
Ensuring lots of room between tables so vendors don’t have to disturb each other when they have to get out to use the restroom or get a snack.
Access to snacks and drinks. (Some events provide a free hot beverage, bottled water, snacks, or lunch for the vendors which is a nice touch!)
Regular check-ins by the organizers to see if the vendors need anything and how things are going. Providing supervision of the table if the vendor needs a restroom or shopping break, etc.
Music playing to attract customers and encourage them to stick around.
Organizing a “Learn to Make…” where people can learn a new skill. Activities for children can keep people coming. I have seen Free Face Painting, Free Glitter Tattoos, Kids Coloring Draw for Giant Balloon Bunny and Easter Basket at Easter Time, Free Henna Tattoos (with a donation appreciated), Photos with Santa.
Include a charity fundraiser table to emphasize community spirit. I have even seen pets up for adoption!
If there are any door prizes, the item can be collected before the sale begins to make it convenient for the vendors.
Provide an opportunity for the vendors or makers to provide feedback after the sale. Send them an email asking for information on what went well and what didn’t. Then build upon that for the next sale.
As an organizer, you should keep a record of vendors or makers who were NOT contributing to your market or sale positively. For example, those who were NO SHOW and failed to communicate why they couldn’t attend. Another example is those who “pack up early”.
I am very interested in helping older people, especially those who are caregivers to those who have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Two of my books are written specifically on this topic. January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month here is Canada, and I was pleased to see this statement from the Minister of Health which I felt was important enough to share here (I bolded a section for emphasis!). I found there is a lot of valuable information, plus the good news that we are doing something right! It also includes steps we can take to help reduce our risks.
January 3, 2024 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Almost half a million people in Canada live with dementia, impacting not only themselves, but their loved ones and caregivers as well.
While the risk of dementia increases with age, it is not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, the rate of newly diagnosed cases in Canadians aged 65 and over has been dropping for the last several years.
This is why the Government of Canada has been investing in the implementation of Canada’s national dementia strategy – A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire. It focuses on the areas of research, surveillance, awareness initiatives (including a national public education campaign), community-based projects and guidance.
Implementing the national strategy is a joint effort by a wide range of organizations across Canada, including provincial and territorial governments, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and health and social care providers. Over the past five years, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has funded more than 70 dementia projects through organizations such as these across the country. A number of these projects were featured in the 2023 Report to Parliament on the national dementia strategy.
It has been estimated that 12 risk factors that can often be managed and reduced could explain 40% of cases of dementia globally. This highlights the importance of raising awareness about these factors which include physical inactivity, smoking, obesity and chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
This January, for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, I encourage you and your family to visit Dementia: Risk factors and prevention – Canada.ca to learn more about dementia risk reduction. Choose one habit that you can change or improve such as being more physically active, socializing regularly, or having a healthier, more balanced diet. Engaging in these healthy behaviours can help reduce the risk of dementia and delay the onset of symptoms, thereby improving your quality of life as you age.
We can all help improve the quality of life of those living with dementia. For more about how to reduce dementia-related stigma and communicate in a supportive way with people living with dementia, visit Dementia: Tips on how you can help – Canada.ca.
As more of us take these actions, we’ll reduce the impact of dementia on Canadians.
The Honourable Mark Holland
Contacts
Christopher Aoun Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Mark Holland Minister of Health 613-291-4176
Media Relations Public Health Agency of Canada 613-957-2983 media@hc-sc.gc.ca
The American Heart Association put out two research study findings related to marijuana or cannabis usage. Smoking weed is NOT good for your health – especially your brain and heart health.
The Research Highlights included: “In one study, daily use of marijuana raised the risk of developing heart failure by about one-third, even after considering other factors, compared to people who reported never using marijuana.”
I wonder how Snoop Dog and Willie Nelson will fare in light of this news? Will it change their usage habits? Will it influence how often others are using it?
There is a particular focus on older adults in one of the studies. The research pointed out that there was an “increased risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in elderly non-smokers who used cannabis.” This reminds me that when I am asking clients about their alcohol use I also need to ask about their use of marijuana. The lead study author Avila’s Mondal, M. D., a resident physician, stated that, “Since 2015, cannabis use in the U.S. has almost doubled, and it is increasing in older adults, therefore, understanding the potential increased cardiovascular risk from cannabis use is important.”
Unfortunately, the research didn’t differentiate between eating and inhaling marijuana. I hope they can build upon these findings as we all know how bad smoking is for our health. But we don’t know if the edibles or ingesting it is also as bad.
As I was preparing for a presentation, I typed my book’s title into the Amazon search bar. I was checking on the status of my reviews.
To my surprise, a book with a similar title (a sponsored title!) popped up right above mine. i clicked on the link and looked more closely at the “Book Overview.” As I started reading through I saw my words, not in the same order, but in a slightly different arrangement. My terms used in my book made up the bulk of the overview. I had a strong suspicion that this was MY book.
I wasn’t able to see any of the inside of the book via the “Read sample” option. It had only the cover, back cover (with no text on the back), title page, author’s name, and copyright information.
I checked the Amazon Prime return policy, and I was able to return the book at no extra cost. So there was no risk in my opinion. I ordered the book and waited.
When the book arrived three days later, I opened it up and saw MY photos. MY writing. This was direct plagiarism. But, the “author” had scrubbed the book clean of any personal information such as my title page, copyright information, dedication, acknowledgements, and the back-matter such as resources, recommended reading, and my about the author page.
When I opened up the book, it was a jaw-dropping moment. I was shocked. My heart sank. I felt like I had been robbed. The violation of stealing my hard work felt like a punch to my stomach. Sadness, anger, victimization all balled up into one.
After the initial shock wore off, I took a closer look and discovered that the “Introduction” was AI generated. I had plugged in the first few paragraphs into an AI Checker and it came up as being written by AI. I had never seen a book combining AI-generated text and direct or cloned plagiarism before. The bulk of the book was my work. Word-for-word. And it was taken from my 2015 ebook (which has since been revised in 2021).
I started searching Amazon to see if there were any other books plagiarizing mine and I found another one! So far, I have found two.
I have since reported both books to Amazon for copyright infringement and they have been removed. I have to be diligent though because it can happen again. There is an online Amazon Report Infringement form and process that has to be followed and you don’t get to speak to a human unfortunately. I ran into a snag because the books I was reporting on had fake ISBN numbers, so I had to use the ASIN numbers instead.
Many other suspicious books written by others have been discovered. I suspect there are hundreds if not thousands of these AI Hybrid Books on Amazon. It’s not right.
AI Hybrid Plagiarism is running rampant on Amazon. Many unsuspecting authors are being robbed and readers are being deceived. I want others to be aware of this issue in hopes of preventing the sales of these illegitimate books that disrespect the intellectual property rights of others.
My ask is I want Amazon to do a better job at checking for plagiarism. I suggest they go beyond the first 500 words. Perhaps the first 10,000.
I have a Facebook page called, “My Book was Stolen Plagiarised Pirated” with more information. Give a Follow and Like there to see what I find and what is new in the world of AI and books.
More information on my books and services can be found on my website at www.AngelaGGentile.com.
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital publishing, a disturbing new menace has emerged, one that poses a significant danger to both authors and consumers alike: AI Hybrid Plagiarism. This insidious practice combines AI generative text technology with direct plagiarism, creating a toxic blend of stolen intellectual property that threatens to undermine the very foundations of literature and copyright protection.
The term “AI Hybrid Plagiarism” refers to the surreptitious act of employing AI generative text models to produce books that are not only unoriginal but also directly rip off existing works, circumventing the arduous creative process. These AI-generated works are often sold on platforms like Amazon, where their prevalence has quietly proliferated into a burgeoning problem.
I know all about AI Hybrid Plagiarism because one of my books, “ Caring for a Husband with Dementia: The Ultimate Survival Guide” was plagiarized at least twice that I know of. This shocking and disheartening violation has lead me to discovering many more books that appear to be what I call, “AI Hybrids.”
It is my belief that AI ingests the original digital content belonging to the creator and generates the following:
– Book Overview on the Amazon book page (where the book can be purchased),
– A copyright statement for the front matter of the paperback.
– An Introduction for the interior of the book.
– A compelling title and lengthy subtitle.
– Perhaps even a fictitious author’s name
One thing that is unknown to me is how the book cover image and title layout is created. It could also be AI generated I suppose.
Amazon (or Kindle Direct Publishing KDP), a titan in the ebook market, employs sophisticated algorithms and bots to detect copyright infringement and pirated ebooks. However, these digital crooks have been using the text from ebooks and scrubbing it of the REAL author information. The fraudsters put together a product which is submitted to KDP which evades the plagiarism screening process. Their AI Hybrid Plagiarized book flies just under Amazon’s radar. As a result, there are currently hundreds, perhaps thousands, of these plagiarized books available for purchase on Amazon, unbeknownst to the ripped-off authors and deceived readers.
This issue not only robs authors of their hard-earned intellectual property rights but also misleads unsuspecting readers who believe they are purchasing original content and supporting well-deserved authors.
AI Hybrid Plagiarism jeopardizes the livelihoods of genuine writers and compromises the integrity of literary creation, all while leaving a trail of copyright infringement in its wake.
To combat this burgeoning problem, it is imperative that both publishing platforms and authors remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and reporting instances of AI Hybrid Plagiarism. Perhaps Amazon KDP needs to revamp and beef up their plagiarism checkers – Do better, Amazon.
Furthermore, raising awareness among consumers is crucial to ensure they can make informed choices and support genuine authors while rejecting stolen content. The battle against this menace is ongoing, and the stakes for the world of literature and copyright protection have never been higher.
Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW
Ironically, this article was created with the help of Chat GPT.
My book, “Caring for a Husband with Dementia: The Ultimate Survival Guide,” has been plagiarized at least twice on Amazon. The top book in the photo is my book, the bottom two are Artificial Intelligence Hybrids or what I call AI Hybrids for short. Let me provide you with a definition that I made up.
AI/Cloning Hybrid Plagiarism is a combination of cloning or direct plagiarism plus artificial intelligence, AI-generated, text.
An AI Hybrid Book is a book that consists of artificial intelligence, AI-generated, text plus cloned or direct text from the original human author. The direct copied work has been used without authorization from or acknowledgement to the originator of the human-generated text (the author). AI is also not given credit and the book’s credit goes to a completely different author. Sometimes these are fictitious names.
The version of MY book that was plagiarized was the 2015 ebook version. “Caring for a Husband with Dementia” has since been revised (2021) and is available in both ebook and paperback.
There are MANY AI Hybrids on Amazon and Goodreads. Perhaps they are everywhere online. This is a problem that I want all consumers and authors to be aware of. The photo below shows a combination of my books that were plagiarized and others that I highly suspect are also AI Hybrids.
HOW TO SPOT AN AI HYBRID PLAGIARIZED BOOK and FRAUDULENT “AUTHOR” ON AMAZON
*The book overview summary description is most likely written by AI. (You can run it through an AI checker to get an idea if it was or not.)
*The book cover image may appear irrelevant to the topic.
*The title is on the cover but there is a lengthy subtitle in the book listing that is NOT on the book cover.
*There is no back cover copy.
*The author’s name includes a middle initial – and no credentials.
*No information on the author.
*No Amazon Author profile page.
*No search results on the author’s name.
*No sample to read other than the copyright info. (If there is a sample, it is probably poorly formatted.)
*Publisher = “Independently published” (usually 2023, after ChatGPT and Generative AI took off)
Thrifting (shopping in thrift stores) is enjoyed by many people. Whether they are looking for a deal, something unique, or the thrill of the hunt, thrifting is always fun for those who do it. You can find new, gently used, vintage, refurbished, and recycled items such as clothing, accessories, books, furniture, toys, and much more.
Following is a list of all the thrift stores I have tracked down in Winnipeg (in no particular order). I have not visited all of them but I hope to! Many of the comments are from Reddit uses from the r/Winnipeg subreddit. Please let me know if you have more information or corrections to share. Thanks!
– 5 Winnipeg locations: 70 Princess Street, 3431 Portage, 317 St. Anne’s Rd, 1540 Pembina Hwy, 17-2136 McPhillips St.
– Non-profit organization selected as a 2023 and 2024 Platinum Winner – Best in the Second Hand Clothing & Consignment in Winnipeg by Community Votes Winnipeg
– “St. Anne’s Location has great prices, and they often have sales. Minimal selection.”
– “The location in the exchange district (Princess) is the largest in Winnipeg. It has two stories.”
-Lots of sales. Seniors and post-secondary students receive 20% of regular priced items EVERY TUESDAY with valid ID.
-Each week a different colour of price tag is chosen, and times with that colour are discounted (often 50% off). The tag colours rotate weekly, so if you shop regularly, you’ll notice the discount colour changes from week to week.
Canadian Goodwill, 70 Princes Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba
October 29/25 – I visited the Canadian Goodwill on 70 Princess Street in downtown (Exchange District) Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is a big two-story building. They say it’s the biggest Goodwill in Winnipeg. It’s the only Goodwill in Winnipeg that is two stories as far as I know! Parking was on the street, but I couldn’t find where to pay for parking and the lady inside the store didn’t know what app I was to use. So I chanced it as I didn’t think I would be long (I was okay!). The store was clean, bright, and busy and had a nice selection of everything. They had a 60% off Yellow Tags special the day I was there. There was an impressive book section which looked like a library.
Goodwill, Main Floor, 70 Princess Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Clothing and jackets were aplenty. I picked up a Northern Reflections hooded winter jacket that was only $15.00 and seemed brand new! I found the jacket on the main level so I had to pay for that before I went upstairs (as they had told me there was jewelry upstairs.) When I went up what seemed an unusual amount of stairs to get to the second level, I learned there wasn’t a lot of jewelry but enough to keep me interested. There was lots of furniture, housewares and collectibles as well. To my delight, they have this special machine-operated glass-covered case that rotates rows of jewelry with the touch of a button. It was fun to use! I found a couple of vintage pieces (Coro and Sarah Coventry) and a tiger’s eye necklace. I would have to spend more time there to get a better idea of what all they have. Prices were decent, too. It’s worth checking out for sure!
– Mixed reviews on McPhillips location (across from Northgate). “McPhillips is the best” according to one Reddit user, “Overpriced” per one Redditor
– “Nairn area location is overpriced crap” per one Redditor
– “Roblin location is good.” (I’ve been there too).
– Seniors get 10% off daily. 60 years and older.
-Save 20% on your next thrift haul. Receive a thank you coupon for your next purchase when you make donations.
-NO TAX on most items (since they are a non-profit)
-SPC Members Save 15% Every Day
-Sign up on their email list and receive sale notices and coupons.
-Closed Sunday
Thrift Store Store Front, 97 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba
3.9 Stars for Salvation Army Thrift Store at 97 Sherbrook Street on Google Reviews as of October 29/25.
October 29/25. I visited the Salvation Army Thrift Store at 97 Sherbrook Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is close to the Misericordia Hospital and Wolseley neighbourhood. There was ample street parking and it was free.
This store was surprisingly busy. It was small but clean and bright. A security guard greeted me and I felt safe. There was lots of treasures to be had. Their jewelry section was very small, however. I founds some collectibles and beautiful housewares such as Fitz & Floyd and some vintage decor. I didn’t take a basket so my hands were quite full! I even bought a “new” water bottle to replace the one that I have that is quite worn out. I would like to go back one day and take more time looking through this small buy mighty store.
– It’s not a thrift store, it’s a “Second Hand Store”
– “We are a For-profit company that champions reuse.”
– “Prices are high!” per most Redditors
– Nairn location gets mixed reviews – “The crappiest” says one Redditor. “Overpriced and full of garbage.” Another Redditor says they “constantly find gems there.”
– VV has a “good selection of everything, and it’s curated and displayed really well.”
– Most VV stores have an unpleasant odour. Clothing is not necessarily washed before it is donated.
– Drop-off hours are good so many people donate their items there.
– Pembina location prices are high.
– Unicity prices come in with mixed reviews.
– Some say Ellice location has better prices.
– 20% off coupons available when you donate items
-Join their emailing list for frequent coupons and sales
– They have live music five days a week. A Karaoke performance gets you 35% off your purchase any time!
– Indigenous-led
– “Pretty cheap” per one Redditor
– “Cheapest in the city” per another Redditor
-Open 7 days a week
October 15/25. I visited Revive and Thrive and was impressed with how large the space was and the fact they were having a 50% sale on most items. I asked about live music, and the guy was on his way for a cigarette break. While he was on break, I headed straight for the jewelry counter. They didn’t have very much but I picked up a couple things. I got a bracelet and a watch. I hope the watch works when I put in a new battery! Soon after I had been there the music man started playing. He plays for tips. I then took a walk around the rest of the store. It was somewhat crowded and disorganized and items were quite dusty and in some cases dirty. I could look past the dirt and went to work looking for treasures!
They had lots of clothing (which I didn’t look at), shoes, purses, household goods, and even displays on sale. They had a big couch and a young man laid down on it while the music played. It looks like a very chill and easy-going place. I spotted a poster with four flowers that I used to have at my office! It brought back some memories of my working days.
I didn’t spend very much there, as their prices were unbelievably cheap. I got a few treasures though. There are lots of parking spots available, and the store had about 5-6 people go through it while I was there. The shop could use some TLC. There were boxes and bags all over the store saying things like, “Coming Soon – Not for Sale Yet.” They had some free items that had some smoke damage (crystal glasses) and they said the yellow layer of smoke residue comes off when they are washed. They have great hours. I probably won’t go out of my way to go back, though. Donations accepted and the money goes towards the “Ready, Set, Go! Work Program.”
September 5, 2025. I stopped in at the Up Shoppe and found it to be quite busy for a small store! There was free street parking. There were three very friendly ladies working. Two at the till and one putting out products.
The store is jam-packed with clothes, shoes and some housewares. It seems to be mainly focused on women’s apparel. There was a sale on the day I was there – $6.00 for a bag of clothes (on a certain rack).
There was a little bit of jewelry and I managed to find some Monet and Sarah Coventry pieces. The jewelry was very reasonably priced. There were hats, ties, purses, and even some new products in packages. I overheard one of the ladies saying “Giant Tiger gives us some items at times.” There were some beautifully handcrafted Indigenous earrings behind glass for $20. A lady came in and went straight for them, saying “I have enough money for them now!”
I am not sure if I would go out of my way to go there again but it would be worth stopping by if I was in the area. I got a card stamped so if I go back I will have to remember to get my card stamped again!
– Tuesdays is Seniors Day – Spend $10 or more and get 25% off. 50% off blue tag clothing.
– Supports two programs: Re/act Program and Riverwood House
-Closed Sunday
August 26/25. I stopped in to see what treasures they have at Prairie Crocus Thrift. The door was hard to find! There was some jewelry (not a lot), purses and hats plus a vintage area. There was lots of china and glassware. Clothing and housewares. Tons of toys, too. I went on Tuesday, Seniors Day (20% off). Many items were excluded from the 20% off. I came away empty handed this time.
August 30/25 – I checked out their new store. It’s near Planet Fitness in a strip mall. It is very clean, large, and bright. Lots of jewelry behind the counter. They also have some other jewelry displays to check out. Lots of clothing and housewares. Friendly staff. Prices are very good. I bought some jewelry (including a silver double heart necklace) and some glass wear. I needed a new stemless wine glass as one broke and I found one that matched my set! They call their shoppers “Super Thrifters” (I heard it over the intercom). I would definitely visit again. Highly recommended!
-Located at 511 Selkirk Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba
-Closed Sundays
-Non profit
October 15/25. I visited the Selkirk MCC Furniture and Thrift Shop and was able to park right across the street on Selkirk Avenue. There is lots of street parking so that shouldn’t be an issue for anyone. When I entered the shop I noticed how bright it was and how it didn’t have any noticeable odour. The shop is run by volunteers and one paid manager. The ladies behind the counter were very friendly. I started with the jewelry and they had a lot. I managed to find a few pairs of earrings and some brooches. The prices were very reasonable ($1-3.00). I was very impressed with how clean the store was but then I noticed that not all the glassware was clean. I was able to look past the dirt and dust. I found a lot of treasures there for very affordable prices. I even found a Lucky Brand leather purse! There were a few customers coming and going. Some donations that had arrived the same day were purchased just as fast! There was a guy who came into the store and bee-lined for a chair and sat down. He was silent and very still for quite some time. There were people looking at mattresses and Halloween costumes, too. Great sales on the day I was there. MCC has four locations throughout the city and one of the volunteers told me I have to check out Altona MCC as they were the FIRST MCC thrift store in Manitoba. She also said the one in Steinbach is HUGE! I received a brochure of all the different MCCs and I am excited to take some road trips now. I will definitely check out the Selkirk Avenue MCC Thrift Shop again. I spent $57.00 there and came out with some beautiful and unique treasures.
-Located at 644 Burnell Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba
-Closed Sundays
-Non profit
October 21/25. This is the third MCC Thrift Store in Winnipeg that I have been to. It is located close to a Dairy Queen and just off of Sargent Avenue. It is a very small shop but it is well-laid out. It was clean and bright. No obvious odour was present. It was quite busy considering it was a smaller shop. There were at least three people working (volunteers?). There was a small selection of jewelry, but it was scattered about in different areas. I saw some jewelry on a rotating display over by one wall, then I saw a smaller locked display on the check-out counter. Then after I walked around the store, picking up some small collectibles and some shoes, I came to the counter to pay and I noticed MORE jewelry under the glass. I wish they had all the jewelry in the same area or at least they could have told me where I could have found all the jewelry. I bought $23.00 worth of goods. Not sure if I would go back.
– Check FB to see when they are open. Call 204-582-4334
-Closed Sunday and Monday
– I visited this shop on April 17/25 for a few minutes. It is a small shop, but it was busy. The door was locked so it said to knock to get in. The clothes are in the front of the store and the hard goods are at the back. Earrings are $1.99 AS IS and I found a pair of vintage clip-ons that were made with sparkly Aurora Borealis stones. Many of the stones were missing so I decided I can use the stones to repair other pieces I have. I also found a vintage Eaton’s gift box which was wrapped in plastic to keep it as clean as possible. I appreciated that. The two ladies there were very kind and helpful. I will go back again when I have more time to browse.
22 May 2025. I visited this thrift store and I was totally impressed with the selection of jewelry! I spent a lot of time at the jewelry counter and a younger woman volunteer (they are all volunteers!) helped me. She was very patient with me. I found quite a few low-cost treasures including a Michael Kors silver-tone necklace for $5.00. They have a loyalty program where by if you spend $100 you get $10 off your next purchase. The profits go towards Christian-based programs all over the world. The store is huge and very clean. Prices are very reasonable. I will be back!
– “Very limited erratic hours because it is volunteer run.” Closed Saturday, Sunday, Monday.
-Phone: 204-786-1653
– Accepts donations Tues-Fri, 10-3pm
-Closed Saturday, Sunday, Monday
-Often cited as one of the cleanest thrift shops in the city.
-I visited this small store in April 2025. The store was busy and the volunteers were busy, too. Their prices are very reasonable and I even heard the man sitting behind the cash register making a deal with someone who wanted to offer a lower price on a digital camera. I purchased a few goodies here (hard goods and a beautiful green scarf) and I will definitely be back.
– Supports exploited/trafficked women (sex trafficking).
– Hours Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
– Backstory: Shona Stewart started the store in Winnipeg on Selkirk Avenue. Due to problems with crime, she had to close it down in 2021. Shona is a sex-trafficking survivor from the 80’s and she has this shop now to help others. She helps those in recovery get some work experience.
-I visited this store in May 2025. There were cheerful friendly volunteers helping and I was there mainly to check out the jewelry. Seems like they could use some help organizing the jewelry. A few things I was interested in weren’t for sale, so they could also put some labels on the things that aren’t for sale. I didn’t get a chance to see the clothes but there seemed to be lots of clothing and shoes, too. I bought a few pieces of jewelry to take home.
– B’nai Brith Canada opened the Kavod thrift store in July 2024. They function as a regular thrift shop, open to the public, with every purchase directly supporting our most vulnerable community through a variety of programs.
-Located at 531 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg, MB
-Open Sunday – Thursday, 10-5 pm. Closed Friday and Saturday
27 May 2025 – I stopped by this newish thrift store and parked across the street (free parking). On the way in there were two men standing outside near the front door and one asked me if I knew the time. There was no way I was going to stop making my way in to the store to tell him the time. I actually felt uncomfortable. When I arrived at the store, a security guard greeted me. I told him I felt uncomfortable with those guys outside and that they asked me for the time. He said they ask him for the time three times a day and he will keep his eyes on them. One of the volunteers told me they usually keep the doors locked. That seems to be a common occurence at many of these small stores.
Anyhoo, when I got into the brightly lit, spacious store, I was immediately greeted by a nice woman. I noticed tons of clothes and shoes. I told her I had sent a message about wanting to look at vintage jewelry and she showed me where the jewelry was kept. There was a nice selection and it was out in the open. The earrings were kept in a tray that had prices on the tray versus the earrings so I asked how did that work? One of the young ladies told me she would take it to the front and put a price on it so when I was ready to pay I would get them at the front desk. I showed her where I took them from (they were $2.00).
Most of their jewelry items were in the $2-4 price range. A few pieces were higher, I saw $15.00 on a bracelet which didn’t look vintage but was in good shape. I found a few semi-precious gemstone pieces, a pearl necklace, and some other special treasures. My favourite pieces were a signed Ivana Trump brooch which I got for $3.00 and a pearl necklace for $8.00. (Let me know if you want to see them!)
If I had more time I would have gone through the small collectibles and household decor so I will have to go back. They are non-profit and support many local community projects and even have a day where people can go and take items for free.
Other than the location which is not in my comfort zone (but the security guard made sure I was safe getting back to my car), I would recommend!
-Thrift store (for-profit, supporting charities, missions, and St. Boniface Hospital)
-476 St. Mary’s Road
-Perpetual 50% OFF sale
-Closed Sunday
October 14/25. I visited this store and it is quite small. It smells very clean. Many of the items in the store look new and have original price tags. The prices seem inflated at first, but then I quickly came to realize everything is 50% off of the tagged price. Even considering the items were 50% off the tagged price, most items seemed pricey for a “thrift store.” I bought some very small Betsey Johnson earrings on the original jewelry card. The price sticker said $14.99 but the actual price was $7.50. I also bought a couple of board games which seemed quite new for a reasonable price. There were many clothes, shoes, boots, jackets, and a small amount of jewelry and housewares. Their main product is clothing and footwear. It was noted they had a nice selection of men’s clothing and footwear. They have two change rooms so that is a bonus. There were some belts and purses as well (a fake Coach purse, too). As soon as you walk in there are some books and DVDs. There were three other people shopping there during the time I was in there. There is free parking in the back (along the river) and the day I parked there it was very muddy! I am not 100% convinced this is a very charitable thrift store. I get the same feeling as when I go to Value Village. These are for-profit businesses but they make it seem like they are doing good for the community. I would have to see their annual reports to see exactly what they make and how much goes to charitable causes (such as missions, hospitals, etc.). This is one of only two independent thrift stores in the south half of the city. It is fairly close to downtown and the next closest would be the one in Osborne Village called “The Overflow.” Not sure I would donate to this store or return. Glad I visited though. They have been open for about 10 years. Their Instagram account (which is inactive) has a photo dated May 13, 2016. The Facebook account also is inactive, and it has posts from 2020. Their tag line on their Facebook page is, “The thrift store that everyone loves.” They are also “A Valued Member of Old St. Vital Biz.”
April 2025 – I popped in to the store on Nairn. I saw it is geared towards the younger woman. Lots of purses and wallets at the front of the store. I didn’t buy anything here, and went next door to Style Encore (see below).
August 30/25 – I stopped by the St. James location. Lots of. Lululemon, younger styles – clothing, shoes, purses, accessories. Some new hair accessories. Lots of dressing rooms. I bought some jewelry there and my 14 year old niece found some clothes for back to school. My sister-in-law found a nice jean jacket.
– Chain, private, for profit (related to Plato’s Closet). Women’s clothing and accessories.
– They give cash on the spot for your items. Must be clean and freshly laundered.
– Open 7 days a week
April 2025 – I visited the Winnipeg East store on Nairn. There was a lot of clothing and some accessories. Great change room in the back of the store. Clothing is for women of all ages. I tried on some capris and found a brand new pair with tags on for $8.00!
August 30, 2025 – I visited the St. James location. It was loaded up with lots of designer purses, shoes, jewelry, and clothes. I bought some jewelry and I found a ring that was damaged and let the sales clerk know. The designer brands were on the top shelf behind the counter. I also found an orange Lancome tote bag that was soiled inside for $24.00. I have the same one at home and I got it for free in a Lancome makeup promotion many years ago. I had no idea it was worth that much!
They buy and sell kids’ clothing, shoes, accessories, toys, and baby equipment. Earn cash on the spot or come shop their incredible selection of gently used kids’ stuff at prices up to 70% less than brand new retail!
It Takes a Village– A consignment shop for children’s and women’s clothes. There are also shoes, books, toys, and a few accessories (no jewelry). They pay 30% to the consigner of the approximate retail value (they pay on the spot!). Appointments have to be made if you would like to bring in your items. On their website they have a list of suggested brands they will take like Zara, H & M, North Face, and Gap. They only take on trend and seasonal items (plus an occasional unique and special vintage item!). Note: I visited this shop. It’s nicely curated and the ladies there are really nice. There are a lot of stairs to get into their shop!
-Located at 564 Osborne Street, Unit 3, Winnipeg Manitoba. Phone: 204-296-0161
Today’s guest post is by Brent Hoag. Reprinted with permission. Originally published on Facebook.
*****
A BOND A PLEDGE A COMMITMENT LOVE
A husband caring for his wife A wife caring for her husband A daughter &/or son caring for their mother &/or father A grandchild caring for their grandfather &/or grandmother A relative caring for someone related to them A friend caring for a friend A partner caring for a partner A human being caring for a stranger A human being caring for someone they know Human beings caring for human beings who are vulnerable and in need
I just read for 90 minutes various Posts & Comments in a few support groups that were written by a cross section & diversity of members/caregivers. I don’t often do this for a number of reasons. I was overwhelmed yet again at the pain, despair, grief, and anxiety and so much more that we share in common. And the sadness, oh the sadness in our lives & hearts.
However, in complete candor, I felt such a sudden unexpected pride because of what each of you, & we collectively, are doing. I honestly felt such a sense of pride to be associated with you even though we have never met. I empathize. I cannot overstate the importance of our being able to relate to, & rely upon, one another as caregivers.
This is about feeling privileged & honored about being in a group of people who notwithstanding our sadness, frustrations, challenges, & yes again the exhaustion, are caring for another human being who is so vulnerable. You have not only endured & coped but you have risen above and persevered in spite of daunting challenges in order to care for another human being. You are pushing through an incredible amount of sadness & difficulty in order to care for another human being. You are trying to afford them some peace, comfort, dignity, respect, & level of care that they so desperately need.
Your own selflessness & sense of responsibility & compassion for another human being is making a difference in their journey. We don’t expect or want recognition or applause. That’s not why we are doing this. Why we do it is so personal & can be simple or profound. However, here we are.
Love for another human being is often the most powerful & compelling element that each of us feel and have in our hearts. We then care, share & support.
Tonight I read & read. There are so many of us & we are such a diverse group of people who are at very different places in our journeys with our loved ones. And yet here we are under one “bubble” sharing, empathizing, & supporting.
No cheerleaders, no bands, no celebrations, no speeches, no oscars, no victory laps. However there is something that I want to share with you caregiver to caregiver. We’re “doing it”. We’ll get through this. I understand only too well your sense of humility but now & then we need help to get back up & to carry on & some deserving recognition & praise can give us the ability & required strength. And yet in our very special group of human beings not only are we selflessly caring for another human being but we are lending assistance to one another as caregivers.
You, your steadfast dedication, your ongoing sacrifices, your compassion, your perseverance, your doing the best that you can, and yes your love are a bond that we share. Whoever you are & whatever your connection with the person that you are caring for, I just want you to know how sad it was for me to read so many of your posts/comments but how much of a sense of pride & honour it allowed me to feel during such dark times. Thank you for that.
You are pretty remarkable even though you likely don’t feel that way. Most of us don’t. However, I hope that in some way when you hear it from a fellow caregiver that it resonates with you & that you can carry some of this in your hearts & minds in going forward.
I have sometimes been criticized for my Posts being too long. Caregiving & the challenges that Alzheimer’s/Dementia presents doesn’t often have a short version when it comes to supporting, sharing, & feeling for a fellow human being. In this Post, I could have simply written “I’m proud of you & honored to be associated with you”. However, in my opinion the topic/message was too important to abbreviate, condense, or underemphasize. You deserved so much more than that.
It’s bittersweet for all of us, but I wanted to take a rare “time out” to acknowledge you for what you are doing.
It’s tough. It’s almost impossible at times, but here we are caring as best as we can for a fellow human being. I will never take that for granted & even though it is a long Post it is one of the rare one’s where a caregiver reminds other caregivers just how remarkable they are.
Who knows, when times are especially low, sad, & challenging perhaps you will allow yourself a “time out” to re-read this as a source of encouragement, support, etc. After all, that is one of the reasons why I wrote this, one caregiver to another caregiver. 💜
When Talk Therapy Falls Short, Discover the Astonishing Power of Brainspotting to Transform Your Life!
Are you tired of endless talk therapy sessions that leave you feeling stuck and frustrated? Frustrated with circular discussions that get you nowhere? What if I told you there’s a groundbreaking technique that can offer a rapid and effective solution for your mental health concerns? A method that can be done in person or virtually online?
Brace yourself for the rise of Brainspotting – a cutting-edge approach that’s taking the therapeutic world by storm. In this article, I uncover the secrets behind this little-known yet astonishingly effective therapy, designed to help you find healing when nothing else seems to work!
The Therapy Revolution: Brainspotting is revolutionizing the way we tackle mental health challenges. Developed by Dr. David Grand, this innovative technique bypasses the limitations of mere conversation and dives straight into the depths of your subconscious mind, where true transformation takes place. Enhance your traditional talk therapy sessions by augmenting it with powerful, focused, Brainspotting sessions.
When Talk Therapy Hits a Wall: Have you reached a plateau or do you feel stalled in your talk therapy journey? Fear not! Brainspotting offers a lifeline when traditional therapy approaches fail to deliver the desired results. By targeting the brain’s emotional centre and encapsulated memories, Brainspotting processes and releases deep-seated trauma and emotional blocks that may have eluded talk therapy’s grasp.
The Rise of Brainspotting: While Brainspotting may not be a household name yet, it’s rapidly gaining popularity as the go-to quick fix for mental health concerns. As word spreads about its astounding efficacy, more and more individuals are flocking to trained Brainspotting therapists, eager to experience the life-changing benefits for themselves.
The Science Behind the Magic: Brainspotting works by tapping into the brain’s natural ability to heal itself. By focusing your gaze on specific “brainspots” linked to unresolved trauma, cognitive blocks, or emotional distress, Brainspotting therapy activates the brain’s innate healing mechanisms. It’s like hitting the reset button on your mind, paving the way for rapid and lasting transformation. There is still a lot we don’t know, and the science is evolving. What we do know is “Where we look affects how we feel.”
A Game-Changer for Most People: Are you skeptical about yet another “miracle” therapy? Rest assured, Brainspotting has been proven effective for a wide range of mental health issues. Whether you’re battling anxiety, fear, depression, grief, shame, past trauma, or even performance blocks, this revolutionary technique has shown remarkable success rates for most individuals, opening doors to a brighter and happier future. It has been effective with all ages, including children.
Rapid Results, Lasting Change: The best part? Brainspotting is not a long, drawn-out process. Unlike traditional therapy that may span years, Brainspotting can yield significant breakthroughs in just a handful of sessions. Experience profound shifts in your emotional well-being and witness the transformational power of this accelerated therapeutic modality.
If you’ve been searching for that elusive quick fix for your mental health struggles, look no further than Brainspotting. With its rising popularity and proven effectiveness, this revolutionary technique is redefining the therapeutic landscape. Enhance the benefits of counselling by embracing the power of Brainspotting to unlock your true potential, heal your deepest wounds, and embark on a path of profound personal growth. Don’t miss out on this life-altering opportunity – discover Brainspotting today!
While the concept of a fulfilling and happy life may vary from person to person, here are ten principles that are commonly considered important for achieving personal fulfillment and happiness:
1. Self-Awareness: Take the time to understand yourself, your values, strengths, and weaknesses. Cultivate self-awareness to make choices aligned with your authentic self.
2. Positive Mindset: Adopt a positive outlook on life, focusing on gratitude and optimism. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and maintain a resilient attitude.
3. Meaningful Relationships: Nurture meaningful connections with family, friends, and communities. Invest time and effort in building and maintaining strong relationships based on trust, respect, and support.
4. Pursue Passions: Identify and pursue activities, hobbies, and interests that bring you joy and fulfillment. Engage regularly in activities that energize and inspire you.
5. Work-Life Balance: Strive for a healthy balance between work, personal life, and leisure activities. Prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and create time for relaxation, recreation, and rejuvenation.
6. Continuous Growth: Embrace lifelong learning and personal development. Set goals, challenge yourself, and seek new experiences that expand your knowledge and skills.
7. Practice Gratitude: Cultivate gratitude by appreciating the positive aspects of your life. Regularly acknowledge and express gratitude for the people, experiences, and blessings you have.
8. Embrace Mindfulness: Be present in the moment and cultivate mindfulness. Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings without judgment, which can lead to a greater sense of peace and contentment.
9. Live Authentically: Be true to yourself and live in alignment with your values and beliefs. Avoid comparing yourself to others and strive for authenticity in your choices and actions.
10. Contribution and Giving: Find ways to contribute to the well-being of others and make a positive impact in your community or the world. Acts of kindness and service can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Consider each point and reflect on your own experiences. Do you agree with these principles? Is there more you could be doing to enhance your own happiness?
Note that these principles are not a definitive formula for happiness, and each individual may have their own unique path to fulfillment. It’s essential to explore and discover what works best for you, adapting these principles to your own values and circumstances.
Angela G. Gentile, BSW, MSW 