The Salvation Army in Gananoque, Ont. abruptly closed its doors on March 27, after serving the community for over a century.
Posted on the door of the building is a note that reads, “Following a strategic review, The Salvation Army’s Thrift Store and Community and Family Services in Gananoque will no longer be operational, effective immediately. Donations will no longer be accepted.”
For many in the community, it was more than a thrift store.
“It was a gathering place. It was a meeting place,” said resident Gordon MacFarlane. “People that were in hard times would come over here for bargains for clothing.”
In a statement to CTV News Ottawa, The Salvation Army says: “Making this decision is never easy, but it’s part of our responsibility to assess the needs of each community and ensure we meet needs in a sustainable way.”
The Salvation Army provides social services to vulnerable people in about 400 communities across Canada, including Brockville and Kingston – which will remain in service.
“The Salvation Army to me was family,” added Mary Donevan. “We’re all in shock and very disappointed we didn’t have any advance warning.”
They are the next closest options for those that relied on the services in Gananoque, however, Kingston’s location is about 30 kilometres away, and Brockville is about 50 km away.
Gananoque has a population of fewer than 6,000.
