Community wins: two Reader’s Choice winners who work together

July 28, 2023 – The Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) Auxiliary’s Opportunity Shop and local Arnprior consignment boutique Racked won Platinum and Diamond, respectively, in the Arnprior Chronicle-Guide’s Reader’s Choice Awards in the “Best Consignment/Thrift Shop” category. As it turns out, these two local shops are connected by more than just their shared category win.

Almost every week, Racked owner Amy Penaloza meets a volunteer from the Opportunity Shop at her shop on Elgin St. W to load up bags and bags of clothing donations.

“These are things that are really great pieces, but maybe they aren’t one of the brands I accept, or maybe they haven’t sold within the timeframe I give to my consignors,” explains Amy. “But they are things that are beautiful and fashionable, that someone would love to wear. I am all about sustainability and slow fashion, so donating them just makes sense.”

From Racked to the Opportunity Shop

These pieces are taken to the Opportunity Shop on John St, where volunteers sort and price them for sale. 100% of the funds raised from the Opportunity Shop benefit Arnprior Regional Health.

“Our shop is all about people, helping people, help people,” says shop manager Gail Okum. “The community, as well as community businesses such as Racked, help the Opportunity Shop by donating items. The volunteers help by sorting and working in the shop. Our valued customers then help by purchasing merchandise at incredible prices.  Finally, the sales help purchase life saving equipment for those in the hospital and nursing home. People, helping people, help people!”

The impact of the Opportunity Shop

The “Opp Shop” has been a part of the community since 1974 and is a major fundraising source for The Hospital and The Grove Long-Term Care Home. Run by more than 100 volunteers, the Opp Shop receives community donations – like the ones Racked makes every week – and provides its customers with an incredible variety of clothing, footwear, housewares, books, jewelry, and more at reasonable prices.

Frequent Opp Shop customer Kat Hirsch is proud to support the Auxiliary with her shopping.

“There is so much great stuff in here,” explains Kat. “You can get a whole outfit, top-to-bottom, for under $20. And you know that all of that supports local healthcare. I’m proud to live in a place with so much collaboration between businesses.”

Amy feels a similar pride in her community and the organization she is able to support.

She says:

“Knowing the kind of work the Opp Shop supports, this partnership really feels like a win-win. Local supporting local, for the benefit of the community – I love it! We are all winners, really.”

About Arnprior Regional Health

Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) is a progressive 140-bed organization with a fully accredited community hospital, nursing home, primary health care centre, and extensive community programs. ARH is a regional hub with a strong history of providing exemplary care to West Ottawa, McNab/Braeside, Arnprior, and Mississippi Mills residents. As your partner in health, ARH commits to listening and responding to those we serve to create a thriving community together.

Media contact:

Taylor Holmes

Communications and Community Engagement Lead

[email protected]