Thrifty Boutique curated an impressive display for the Vintage Barn Market, Oct. 31–Nov. 2.

We kicked off spring with our Closet Cleanout for a Cause on Earth Day, April 22, inviting the community to clear out their closets and drop off pre-bagged textiles to help “fill the truck.” Volunteers worked tirelessly to keep clothing and fabric out of the landfill, and every pound recycled helped fund the compassionate programs and services of Chilliwack Hospice Society.

Just a few weeks later, Evergreen Hall was filled with flair, fashion, and community spirit for our 7th annual Fashionista Fashion Show on May 10. With record-breaking ticket sales and more than 300 guests, volunteers, and models in attendance, the evening was a resounding success — raising vital funds to support hospice care, bereavement support, and education in our community.

Summer brought one of our biggest events of the year — the National Thrift Shop Day Celebration Sale on August 17. Shoppers lined up early to enjoy 50% off everything in store, with 466 customers purchasing 2,718 items in a single day. The celebration was a joyful reminder of the power of thrifting to build community, promote sustainability, and sustain local hospice programs all year long.

This fall, Thrifty Boutique brought its signature style to the Vintage Barn Market at Christmas 2025, held October 31 to November 2 at Chilliwack Heritage Park. The Thrifty team curated a festive display of vintage décor, fashion, and holiday treasures that inspired shoppers to “shop with purpose.” It was a wonderful opportunity to meet new faces, share our story, and celebrate sustainable giving during the holiday season.

Our work has also been recognized beyond the shop floor. Thrifty Boutique was proud to be nominated for Inclusive Employer of the Year at the inaugural Inclusive Employer Awards – Fraser Valley East on October 28, hosted by WorkBC, Rotary at Work, Inclusion Chilliwack Society, and Bethesda. The nomination acknowledged our commitment to creating a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment for volunteers and staff of all abilities. We were also honoured to receive a nomination for the Community Impact Award at the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, to be held January 31, 2026.

As we look ahead, the team at Thrifty Boutique extends heartfelt thanks to our incredible volunteers, donors, and shoppers. Your continued support ensures that every purchase, every donation, and every act of kindness helps Chilliwack Hospice Society provide compassionate care and support for individuals and families in our community.

Thrifty Boutique offers an upscale thrifting experience while supporting the Chilliwack Hospice Society. Shop with purpose and explore our collection of quality clothing, accessories, home décor, books, and more. With new items added daily, there’s always something unique to discover!

This award recognizes a charitable or non-profit organization that significantly contributes to the overall health and livability of the community by enhancing well-being, serving underserved populations, and providing meaningful educational opportunities.

Executive Director Sue Knott expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This award is a tremendous honour, and we are deeply grateful to the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce for recognizing the importance of grief and palliative care support in our community. Our professional staff provide compassionate, individualized care to those who need it, free of charge. This recognition affirms the impact of our work and the vital role we play in helping people through some of life’s most difficult moments.”

Desmond Devnich (left) and Sue Knott pose for a photo following the awards ceremony where Chilliwack Hospice Society was awarded Non-Profit of the Year by the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, February 8, 2025.

The Society was selected for its commitment to supporting individuals and families facing dying, death, grief, and loss. Since 1986, Chilliwack Hospice Society has provided a comprehensive range of free programs and services, including:

• One-to-one grief support, offering personalized care to individuals navigating grief and bereavement.
• Grief support groups, including specialized groups for pregnancy and infant loss, anticipatory grief, and traumatic loss such as suicide, homicide, drug poisoning, and workplace accident.
• Palliative care and caregiver support, ensuring dignity and comfort for individuals at end-of-life and providing emotional support for their caregivers.
• Community outreach and education, including Basic Hospice Training, Teen Grief Peer Support Training, Advance Care Planning, and self-care and wellness workshops.

Desmond Devnich, Marketing Manager, emphasized how this recognition brings greater awareness to the Society’s work, saying, “Receiving this award not only validates the work we do but also increases awareness of our programs. More people will learn about the free grief support and palliative care services we offer, leading to greater engagement with our organization. This recognition strengthens our ability to reach those who need support and encourages the community to get involved, whether through referrals, partnerships, or donations.”

Chilliwack Hospice Society extends its sincere appreciation to Elements Casino for sponsoring this award and to the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, as well as its supporters, volunteers, donors, and community partners.

Chilliwack Hospice Society is a community-based organization that helps individuals and families dealing with dying and death through support, education, and programs that promote wellness and healthy grieving.

A safe, supportive space for displaced Ukrainians who now call Chilliwack home has been created at Chilliwack Hospice Society. The group will meet monthly to assist those affected by the war to process their complicated grief and losses. One-to-one support is also available by appointment for those participating in the group and those who aren’t comfortable with the group setting. In addition to a grief support group dedicated to these newcomers to Chilliwack, Hospice Society staff will be facilitating three other grief support groups during the winter months.

First Step Grief Support Group begins February 7 and meets weekly for eight weeks. The group is best suited those who have experienced the death of a loved one in the past six months or year; offering mutual support and socialization for bereaved people wanting the share the journey into change and renewal. It is well-established that grief has no timeline. As such, some First Step group members may choose to begin participating weeks following the death of their loved one. In turn, others may find themselves open to the benefits of participating in a grief support group years later.  A Traumatic Loss Support Group will also begin meeting in February with the exact dates to be decided. The content of this group’s meetings is specifically developed for those who have experienced the death of a loved one due to homicide, suicide, drug poisoning, workplace accident, or sudden illness.

Chilliwack Hospice Society recognizes that significant loss isn’t limited to human connections. Beginning February 22, a supportive space will be created for those grieving the death of a beloved pet. The staff-led grief support group will meet once weekly for four weeks and include participation from the Society’s university practicum students. Students of social work, counselling psychology, child and youth care, and other fields offer a wonderful exchange of knowledge and experience for staff, volunteers, clients, and students alike, and will be contributing to grief support groups – First Step, Traumatic Loss, and Grieving the Death of a Pet.

“In addition to our grief support groups, staff and volunteers offer many opportunities for one-to-one support and complementary therapies to assist members of our community through the grieving process,” Lucy Fraser, director of programs, says. “Informal connections with other bereaved individuals and mutual support can be found in our Relaxation Program, Supportive Walking Group, and Gentle Chair Yoga sessions, as well as our many volunteer opportunities.”

As part of the organization’s community outreach and education programs, a new matinée series of ‘Movies That Move You’ will be shown once monthly, starting with Collateral Beauty on January 24. Each movie has been selected for its themes of grief and loss and are suitable for adults’ viewing and discussion. Advance Care Planning workshops have also been well-received by the community and will continue in 2023 with the next two-part session starting February 16. The writing prompts, worksheets, and group discussion help individuals or their parents develop an Advance Care Plan, including indicating one’s beliefs, values, and wishes, Temporary Substitute Decision Maker, Representation Agreement, and Advance Directive.

Exemplifying the real impact Hospice Society programs and services are having on the Chilliwack community, was once again named a finalist for Non-Profit of the Year by the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. Also in December, Child & Youth Program Manager Franceska Hills was recognized by Murray Mazda as a ‘Local Community Legend’ and received $2,500 in arts supplies toward the Society’s children’s programs.

“Our staff and volunteers at Chilliwack Hospice Society, with support from our dedicated board of directors, continues to build our programming and expand our outreach efforts; providing heartfelt support to more adults, teens, and children who are dying or grieving,” Executive Director Sue Knott says. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued benevolence of individual donors, sponsors, and grants which enable us to meet the increasing demand for our services from the community.”

If you or someone you know is grieving the loss of a loved one right now, call Chilliwack Hospice Society at (604) 795-4660 or visit www.chilliwackhospice.org to learn more about the one-to-one support, groups and workshops that are currently being offered. Donations are always gratefully accepted at the Thrifty Boutique and online at www.chilliwackhospice.org/donate

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