I woke up April 15th 2009 knowing it was my last day being manager of one of downtowns “second hand ” stores. Barely a month passed from the time the news came from overhead to that day.We were “no longer profitable” so we were shut down. Maybe financially speaking we were not as profitable as the other locations.
On a personal value to Cambridge; I think we aced it. Hundreds of volunteers from local schoools and community groups came through our doors;most often feeling better about themselves. I already have two charities in mind .
Two plus years later ; I want to do it on my own terms.
No ceo or board of directors calling all the shots.
Not being micro managed from an office 70 plus miles away and not knowing the dynamics or economic needs of Cambridge. My city. Not theirs.
I still miss the customers; most still greet me with a hug and then ask “When is ______________ re-opening ?” I have no answer as there is none to give ; as none was given to me. I can only answer with “There is one in Kitchener and a new one in Guelph”
“That doesn’t help Cambridge ! ” can be a usual response.
I miss our volunteers and co-workers. I miss helping out other community groups and personally handing a pair of boots to the bare footed man in the chill of winter or the woman with nothing but a holey tshirt on and letting her select a winter coat.
Anxiety and stress took its toll on me. A fight I am still trying to win. But even then in 2009 I had a small business plan-even a name in mind;a name still at the ready. Yet I wonder and have so many questions.
Will it work?
Will people donate their good?
Will people shop there?
Would it yet again be a paid job I love and a service to the community and volunteers.
Can Downtown and community sustain that wish and dream of mine?
I have that plan in hand. The hope in my heart. The bitter taste left in my mouth replaced by a sweetness. With that I smile and hope.
