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Port Coquitlam's newest thrift store hosts a launch sale this Saturday

A new thrift store is opening up in Port Coquitlam this Saturday to help fund social programs for children, youth, seniors and families.
Diane Strandberg
Diane Strandberg
low-entropy-port-coquitlam-thrift-store-web
Verania Ramírez Téllez, Low Entropy Thrift and Fund Store manager, sorts clothing for sale.Submitted

Thrift store shoppers have another option for picking up great deals to fill out their home and wardrobe.

The Low Entropy Foundation, a charity that offers free programs to youth, seniors and at-risk families in the Tri-Cities, is starting a new thrift store in Port Coquitlam to help fund its programs.

Low Entropy's Thrift and Fund store is located at 310-2540 Shaughnessy St. in downtown Port Coquitlam — in front of Leigh Square.

Executive director Vanessa Wideski said a launch and sale is planned for Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Eventually, Low Entropy hopes to have a bigger space and is working on obtaining a new location.

In the meantime, the thrift and fund store is stocked to the ceiling with items, including clothing and home decor.

"This will be the first actual shopping day," said Wideski.

Donations to the enterprise are also welcome, she said, and can be dropped of at the PoCo office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Low Entropy has been operating in the Tri-Cities since 2015, and is known for holding a multi-cultural festival.

Creating positive change

Other programs include supporting families struggling with food insecurity, job skills training, youth empowerment, art therapy and work experience.

Wideski said the name came from a discussion about entropy, with her mentor, who is also a physicist.

The word "entropy" means lack of order or predictability and gradual decline into disorder.

Low Entropy aims to build community connections and strengthen individuals and families to create positive change.

Funds raised from the thrift store will go toward supporting the programs.

Community fair at Terry Fox in February

Meanwhile, a community fair is also in the works for later in February.

The event will be held in the gym at Terry Fox Secondary School on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More than 60 local vendors will be selling their products and services, including soaps, candles, jewelry and scarves.

For more information, you can follow the Low Entropy Foundation on Instagram.