HAY RIVER
It took a lot of effort on the part of many people, but the newly christened Georgina's Place is once again, up and running.

Rev. Vivian Smith says she is glad to continue the work begun by her friend Georgina Bassett at the newly christened Georgina's Place. - Sarah Ladik/NNSL photo

"It was a joint effort, and it looks amazing," said Rev. Vivian Smith. "This town is amazing. You go to the businesses and you ask for help, and you get it."

The Anglican church's thrift shop, a popular destination the two days a week that it's open, was a long-time passion for Georgina Bassett, who recently passed away. Fittingly, it is now named in her honour and re-opened after extensive renovations, including a new tile floor and repainted walls.

There was an official ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 28 with Bassett's family, after which patrons flooded the store.

"All I can tell you is there were a lot of smiles," said volunteer Brian Flewelling. "It's all down to volunteers, and the businesses in town donated so much too."

Smith said the last tile went down at 10 a.m. the morning of the ceremony, volunteers having stayed there all night to get it done.

"In Georgina's memory, I knew we had to do the best we could," she said, adding that it was one of the former Anglican priest's final wishes that the thrift store keep its doors open.

"She spent many long hours in here. Her dedication was unbelievable."

Smith said the volunteers who have flooded the shop in the last few weeks have been trying to get the store changed over from summer to winter clothes, as well as putting on some final touches, but have been hampered in these efforts by the shoppers flocking to the store every time it's open. Far from bothered, Smith said it was wonderful to see so many people out and making use of the service.

"The bible says it's better to give than to receive and that's what we're doing here," she said. "We're giving back to the community."

Last Saturday, a week after the re-opening, the aisles were packed with shoppers perusing the wares. Children scampered between the adults, filling up bags of books and toys for one dollar per bag.

"Georgina wanted people to have good quality, because people deserve it," said Smith, recounting how Bassett would spend hours in the shop going through merchandise and taking out anything with a stain or a tear. "She had a good heart, she was a good friend, a good spokesperson, and I know she's here today in spirit."