By Kevin J. Sabo
For the Advance
The volunteer-run Castor Opportunity Shop managed to have a successful, albeit shortened 2021 operating season.
Usually operating from spring to fall, the decision was made early in September to cease operations earlier than normal to protect the health of the senior volunteers who run the not-for-profit organization due to increasing COVID-19 case counts in the region.
Operating out of a Town of Castor-owned building beside the swimming pool, the Opportunity Shop second-hand store has been a fixture of the community for 49 years. The Town of Castor pays the expenses on the building, and the organization is operated by volunteers, with the funds raised each season going to a different charity. Past recipients have been Castor Minor Sports and the fire department.
The business operates on a donation basis, reselling donated home items, although large items such as couches and appliances are not accepted. The small business manages to give a second life to many products which would otherwise be destined for the landfill.
Despite the pandemic, the Castor Opportunity Shop got started on time in May for the 2021 season. Even though the organization closed its doors earlier in the year than usual, it still managed to raise $9,000 to go to a charity in town.
This year, the Castor Opportunity Shop has chosen to donate the funds to the Castor & District Museum Society elevator project. The cheque was presented in a small ceremony on Oct. 19.