‘No strings attached’: Saint John Community Coalition hosts free store

Hundreds of people made their way through the third annual Community Free Store in Saint John, N.B., Saturday afternoon.

The line stretched outside the Stone Church in uptown Saint John, N.B., Saturday afternoon as hundreds of people made their way through the third annual Community Free Store.

“Basically the purpose of [the free store] is to recognize the amount of poverty that we have in the city and the desire to do something about it,” says event organizer Brandon Flynn. “People can show up, they can take whatever they want no questions asked, we don’t ask for anybody’s names or anything at all. There are no strings attached.”

The event was hosted by the Saint John Community Coalition, a group that supports grassroots initiatives and equitable living. The clothing and household items “sold” at the free store were donated by people in the community.

Given changing seasons, this rendition of the free store focused on winter clothing like coats, hats and mitts.

“We need more support for people who are in a shaky situation, who are on the street, or don’t have secure housing,” says Flynn. “People who don’t necessarily have these essentials readily available to just live.”

In recent weeks their have been four deaths within the city’s homeless communities.

Flynn says prices have climbed in recent years for everything from groceries to rent, making the impact of poverty more visible around the city.

Those who shop at the free store appreciate the chance to leave with a full bag of goods without spending a penny, says Flynn.

One of those shoppers is Nora McGuire, who was evicted from her longtime residence last November with her two oldest sons and lost all of her belongings. She says starting over is expensive.“

When you think about having to go get pots or a coffee maker, toaster, sheets or blankets or anything like that, it can add up even if you’re buying second hand,” says McGuire. She says the last free store in March was a huge help for her family.

“It can help people get back on their feet a little bit without breaking the bank… there is no bank for most people anymore,” she says. “I’m really happy to be here and I think it’s wonderful that they’re doing this.”

Jason Collrin used the free store as a chance to shop for himself and as an opportunity to find some holiday gifts.

“There’s a lot of stuff that gets thrown in a landfill,” says Collrin. “Other people’s treasures. I picked up a few great items for friends and it’s just a wonderful experience.”

Approximately 2,000 items were donated for Saturday’s event.

“It’s fantastic that there are so many people that recognize the need.” Flynn says. “But I don’t want to stop there because there’s so much more needed.”

Flynn says they will immediately begin collecting items for their next free store. He says the community coalition is always looking for volunteers and new members to help with their events.

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