A commercial complex in Newton is now home to SEVA Thrift Store, which has moved from Scott Road to #108-12877 76 Ave.
The store sells new and gently used South Asian clothing to raise money for Seva Foundation, which has donated more than $100,000 to Surrey Hospitals Foundation, housing projects for Options Community Services and scholarships for local students.
A grand-reopening event June 14 was attended by Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, Senator Baltej Singh Dhillon, Coun. Linda Annis and school trustee Gary Thind, among others.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of all who took time to come out and celebrate with us. Our community is our motivation," said Kiran Malli, board president of SEVA Foundation.
The thrift store opened in 2016 with a mission to sell donated clothing to raise funds for initiatives supported by SEVA, a Sanskrit word meaning “selfless service.”
By 2022, store operators were searching for new space amid concerns of a rent hike at the Scott Road location, near 96 Avenue.
Now, at the new store in Newton, the focus is on South Asian fashion and decor only, in a smaller space — advertised as a "unique destination for culturally rich and affordable finds," a news release says.
"The new location begins a new chapter for Seva Foundation as they begin to expand services by providing support to those in need through programming and community initiatives, including initiatives directly related to the store that promote sustainability and South Asian culture."
In addition to financial donations, the foundation has supported community initiatives including aid for shelters, food banks and refugees, employment and skill-building programs in collaboration with local schools and agencies, book donations and literacy drives, and formal clothing for graduates facing adversity.
The store is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Donations are accepted from Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Volunteers are needed at the store to sort through donations, replenish shelves, help customers "and make sure that we continue to fulfill our goals by contributing to a smooth and successful store operation each and every day."
More details about SEVA Foundation and Thrift Store are found on sevathrift.com, or call 778-293-0115.
