WHEN TIMES are tough, more and more people, badly bruised by the recession, turn to second-hand stores. At one particular thrift mart nestled on _ the North Shore, the volunteer staff knows only too well how economically depressing these times are. Business at the Thrift Mart, located at 3066 Moun- tain Highway, has defintely been more brisk since. the economy started floundering two years ago, says spokes- person for the North Shore branch of the Canadian Men- tal Health Association, which has operated the store for more than 20 years. **There has been a tremen- dous increase in the number of people who come into the mart compared to a couple of years ago,”’ Hopps, Branch Co-ordinator of the United Way funded CMHA. ‘‘About 25 customers a day. come here, and the most they each spend is usually about $2. **Because of the decline in employment, a different sort of person is coming to shop, too. For example, younger people like university kids. They don’t creep in or look embarrassed, either, whereas perhaps a woman my age might tend to look for a back door. Overall, | think more people are finding a place in their hearts for thrift shops,’’ says 49-year-old Marion. Proceeds generated by this venerable old store provide the necessary funds for the Canadian Mental Health Association's Activity Centre. says Marion. poroumaarts By MAY WOO . The funds make it possible to purchase craft supplies for various art projects, such as macrame and wall hangings, for the mentally ill clients participating at the Centre. The clients, who range in age from early 20’s to their late 60's, also partake in weekly excursions, such as to the Vancouver Sea Festival and to the Ecology Centre in Lynn Valley Park. Nearly all are ex-psychiatric patients who have been referred through hospital psychiatric wards like that at Lion’s Gate Hospital or by psychiatrists. To them the Corner House Activity Centre, with its ex- ceptionally supportive staff, means friendship, acceptance and understanding. _ And the crew of dediated Thrift Mart volunteers, such as-Margaret Van Diest, take great satisfaction in the fact that their volunteer labor helps supplement the efforts of the CMHA staff. During the past eight years, this outgoing and per- sonable 63-year-old woman has been giving freely of her time and energy, because, she says simply, ‘‘l love doing good for other people.’’ This Dutch-born grand- mother of five spends almost 20 hours a week at the mart, unpacking, sorting and pric- ing books, shoes, maternity wear, Suitcases and wigs, which the public donates. “This is a very satisfying job,"" she says. ‘‘Il love meeting all the nice customers and enjoy working with the other women because they’re so dependable.’’ Margaret is just one of about 25 volunteers with the MARGARET. VAN DIEST, a native of Holland, is just one. of 25 volanteers with the North Shore branch of the Cana- sunday = dian Mental Health Association who have seen the need for its services, and works out of the Mountain Highway Thrift Mart. North shore branch of CMHA, who have seen the need for its vital services in the community and are work- ing togehter to answer it. They donate their energy, ex- pertise and resources to pro- vide help with management and administration; advice and consultation to clients, and, of course, assistance in thrift: shops. Since its inception in May CONTINUED ON PAGE C2 LOST AUG. 25. BLACK AND GREY TABBY, THREE YEAR OLD MALE. MAY HAVE BANDAGE ON LEFT FRONT FOOT. NEEDS MEDICATION 980-8628 988-6188 news n OVER 48,000 PROFESSIONAL HAIRCUTS | * Now that’s worth talking aboutt Since opening ln April '82, «:. first in B.C., the Undercuttera hes served and. ONLY thousends of customers and our WE CAN REALLY CUT IT! BC’S LARGEST SELECTION OF PROFESSIONAL HAIRCARE PRODUCTS _DISCOUNT PRICES “THE TEENA SHAMPOO AND STYLE CUT (Sept. 12-24) YOUR RETA. HAIR CARE CENTRE THE UNDER CUTTERS | HOME OF THE $6.00 CUT for appointments please call shand La np MMAR eR Sam item, 1564 MARINE DR. W.V. Open 6 days a week Aton. - Wed. @ a.m. -~ 6 p.m. Theare, & Fel. Mighte 1 © p.m. Gat. a.m. 6 pm.