This project will transform the Brussels 5 R’s Thrift Store’s outdated storefront into a safer, healthier, and more resilient community space.
Led by our Store Manager and 21 volunteers, mostly local seniors, we keep prices low to make essential goods affordable and relieve hardship. Because this community-first model leaves little capacity for major capital work, the Commonwell L.E.A.F. Grant is essential.
The grant will fund three critical upgrades:
• Electrical safety: Upgrade the panel and add wall outlets to eliminate extension-cord tripping hazards.
• Air quality and climate: Install climate control and advanced filtration to protect people and inventory from extreme heat and wildfire smoke, which forced temporary closures and damaged clothing in July 2026.
• Weather sealing: Improve door and window seals to increase efficiency and keep pollutants outside.
Our community will provide a 25% in-kind volunteer contribution by packing inventory, preparing the building, and completing post-construction cleaning.
Please vote to help protect the volunteers and patrons who keep Brussels thriving.
Our non-profit thrift store is powered by our Store Manager and 21 volunteers, primarily local seniors. It is both an affordable source of essential goods and a community hub where volunteers gain purpose, activity, learning, and social connection.
Our aging facility is increasingly vulnerable. During the severe Ontario wildfires in July 2026, smoke entered the storefront, exposing staff and volunteers to unsafe air and damaging clothing inventory. An outdated electrical system requires extension cords that create tripping hazards, while summer heatwaves make the store dangerously hot.
Upgrading the electrical system, indoor air quality, and climate control will create a safer, healthier, and more reliable space. These improvements will help the store withstand extreme weather, remain open during disruptions, and continue serving neighbours without compromising the well-being of our Manager, senior volunteers, or patrons. Your vote will help protect the people who give so much to our community.
support
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Our Main St shop is a community staple! Embracing the 5Rs, it keeps waste out of our environment and offers low-cost, valuable items for local families.
The Thrift Shop provides many benefits to Brussels and area and is an important part of the community.
5R’s is a very useful and necessary business for our small village. The staff and volunteers do an amazing job to provide this service to the community.
I shop there and also volunteered there Great people
Wonderful community resource for the residents of Brussels and surrounding area.Friendly staff, great service . Allows families access to needed household items
I volunteer there the community needs it and a lot of people visit any comment on what a great place we have