Approximately 60 PQB youth enjoyed live music, food and a shopping extravaganza at SOS Thrift Shop, Sept. 8.
“We were really pleased with the turnout and the overall positive vibe of the event,” said Alice Tulia, SOS child, youth & family programs manager. “This was a great way to help local youth get items they need, while providing a safe and fun space for them to enjoy themselves.”
The Teen Shopping Event kicked off with live music by local singer Amber Davie outside the Thrift Shop. Youth enjoyed food and took part in the self-temporary-tattoo station before moving inside to spin a prize wheel for discounts. DJ ALL GOOD was set up spinning tracks and setting the scene for a rollicking good time, while teens shopped and took part in the scavenger hunt and selfie station.
This was the first #SOSTeenShop event, and it coincided with the SOS Thrift Shop’s 19th anniversary at its current location. Opened in 1969 in Parksville, the SOS Thrift Shop is one of the main sources of funding for all of SOS’s vital community programs and services.
The aim of the Teen Shopping event was to help remove the stigma attached to shopping secondhand, which help keeps items out of the landfill and promotes ethical and sustainable shopping. SOS also wanted to host an event just for teens to show them how valued they are, and connect them with other free resources at SOS, explained Tulia.
One of the messages received from a parent captured the enthusiasm at the event.
“Thank you so much for providing such a great youth event last night. My kids came home with some great treasures and great deals, and they were so excited!”
For information on free SOS youth programs in Parksville and Qualicum Beach, visit www.sosd69.com. Watch SOS social media pages for announcements of other youth events.
— Submitted by Lissa Alexander