Antrim Truck Stop donation timely for reopening of RVH Auxiliary Gift Shop
July 12, 2021
Elizabeth Bovin, Antrim Truck Stop Retail Manager, and Kim Orr, Owner, load donated merchandise bound for the RVH Auxiliary Gift Shop.
Imagine going shopping for thousands of dollars worth of merchandise and not having to open your wallet or pull out your Visa card!
That was the recent experience of Connie Ryan (RVH Auxiliary Gift Shop buyer) and Nel Lansbergen (RVH Auxiliary past Gift Shop Chair and Treasurer) through a generous donation by Tom and Kim Orr, owners of the Antrim Truck Stop.
For over 40 years the Antrim truck stop has been serving the valley. Approximately 16 months ago previous owners the Camerons sold the truck stop to Tom and Kim Orr. The Orrs have done some renovations and downsized the retail. In doing so, they decided to donate the inventory.
“The Camerons have always put the community first and we plan to continue the tradition,” note the Orrs.
They contacted several charities on June 30 and the RVH Auxiliary was the first to respond. Ryan and Lansbergen spent over two hours choosing items for the gift shop, including clothing, jewelry and home décor.
The merchandise includes “a bit of everything,” notes Lansbergen.
Over the last fiscal year, the Gift Shop has only been able to operate for 70 days due to the COVID-19 restrictions that were in place. As well, many of the Auxiliary’s annual fundraiser events in the community had to be cancelled.
“During the last 15 months we have lost a lot of revenue,” says Lansbergen. “This [donation] is really a shot in the arm. We’re so appreciative.”
Funds raised by the Auxiliary go to support projects at RVH, the most recent being a $250,000 commitment over five years towards the solarium on the second floor—a tranquil retreat where patients, their families and staff can get away from the hustle and bustle to relax and rejuvenate.
The Auxiliary has yet to decide on the next RVH project it will support, as regular meetings were cancelled during the pandemic.
A selection of the new merchandise from Antrim Truck Stop will be on the Gift Shop shelves by July 12, with new additions each week as Auxiliary volunteers unpack the boxes. Seasonal items for fall and Christmas will be stored until the time is right.
Current Gift Shop hours are 11 am to 3 pm and shoppers need to enter and be screened at the hospital’s Ambulatory Care Clinic entrance.