Aube-Lumière thrift shop back in business

Aube-Lumière thrift shop back in business
A group of volunteers at the Friperie Boutique fundraiser for Maison Aube-Lumière (Photo : Aiden Wilson)

By Aiden Wilson
Special to The Record

The Friperie Boutique, which raises funds for Maison Aube-Lumière twice a year with a women’s wear pop-up thrift shop, opened its doors on Wednesday for its spring edition. The store will remain open until June 4.
Aube-Lumière, located in Sherbrooke, is a non-profit organization that offers free palliative care for cancer patients. The organization requires $1.5 million a year to maintain its services, and with only 39 per cent of that coming from donations, events such as the Friperie Boutique are imperative to keep the operation afloat.
Those interested can find thousands of pieces of women’s apparel including clothes, hats, shoes, jewelry, and more at a fantastic price, with all proceeds going to Maison Aube-Lumière.
Diane Roy, who manages the event, and her team of selfless volunteers will be running the Friperie Boutique from May 4 to June 4, Wed. to Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Place des Congrès, Centre commercial, local 132, 2655, rue King Ouest, Sherbrooke.
The team has been organizing and collecting donations since January in preparation, culminating in a huge range of options to choose from.
People were up bright and early on opening day Wednesday, with the store full of eager shoppers and a hefty line forming of those itching to get inside.
Thankfully, due to the large number of donations, there is a wide selection of items to choose from, changing on the daily.
This year any surplus will also go to Ukrainian refugees affected by the war.
Each edition of the Friperie Boutique, which runs in the spring and fall, raises around $40,000 for the Maison Aube-Lumière, all made possible by the generous work of those who donate clothes and the volunteers who run the shop.
Aube-Lumière has taken in over 3,500 people suffering from terminal stage cancer since 1997, providing high-quality palliative care to those in need and contributing to advancements in teaching on the subject.
With 49 per cent of the centre’s budget coming from fundraising events, the continued ability to provide care to patients relies on these types of projects.
The Friperie Boutique is a great option for anyone looking for some well-priced women’s fashion. Stopping by the shop is an great way to help those in need, and look good while doing it.

Share this article