One man’s trash – another man’s problem

July 4, 2013 · 0 Comments

‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,’ is one expression that definitely does not apply to the situation faced by OSPCA volunteers of Paws and Claws located on Main Street in downtown Shelburne.

As is the case with most businesses, waste receptacles, dumpsters, are located in the back of establishments, usually in lane ways and are placed there specifically for business use only.

While most people realise this second hand store accepts many gently used items, many other people continually dump their unwanted and often unsalvageable items at the back of Paws and Claws without realising the volunteer organization must then arrange for removal at a cost to them which directly impacts the nature of the charity- raising funds for the OSPCA.

Volunteer store manager, Renée Holliday politely requests that all those interested in making a donation read their signage indicating exactly what may be accepted at any given time. Large bulky items are not accepted especially when considering limited store space.

“We discovered that many people who have garage sales often drive here and deposit their unwanted items, some of which is unsellable, bulky and unusable,” said Holliday. “We’d like the public to consider calling second hand stores who sell furniture, or hauling companies to take care of their items and not leave couches, and carpets that we have to pay for to have removed. Also donations left when the store is closed often get completely damaged in poor weather. We urge people to make donations during business hours for that reason.”

Volunteer store manager, Jean Miller, who will be taking over Holliday’s position as full time volunteer store manager had this message, “We would be so grateful if people would realise this upset for us. We love to get donations, but items must be gently used sellable items.”

Keeping in mind that this organization is run by volunteers who donate their time for this worthy cause, the Ontario Society For the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals is a treasured, cherished and much needed service. It is volunteers like Renée Holliday and Jean Miller who bring their passion to the forefront and make a plea to Shelburne residents to consider the cost of their actions and not deprive a charity that needs every penny it can make.

Both Holliday and Miller look forward to Shelburne’s co-operation in this matter as they try to make every penny count. Anyone interested in making a donation and are uncertain if Paws &Claws can accept an item, call 519-925-9956 for more information.

By Alex Sher