A community is growing from one of Surrey’s most distinctive thrift shops, a one-of-a-kind destination that provides exceptional South Asian clothing at a great price, but also Western clothing, accessories and housewares.
Seva Thrift Store – Seva means ‘selfless service’ – is operated by a volunteer board of directors committed to give back locally and beyond. At the same time, they’re providing new homes for beautiful garments and bridging cultures. They stay true to one of their organizational values of service and sustainability in all that they do.
Here’s why you need to visit Seva today:
- Discover beautiful fashions – The vibrant thrift store features new and quality used fashion, shoes and jewellery from around the world. Seva is well-known for its South Asian clothing, including three-piece outfits, saris, shawls and wedding suits, and shoppers from all cultures love Seva for that reason – the richness of the diverse goods it carries. “The cultural aspect of the store is great. Now it’s affordable to find something for a wedding or cultural celebration,” says Inder Randhawa, Operations Manager and Vice-Chair of the Board. Others like to create their own “fusion fashions,” says Raj Arneja, Manager, Board member and Founder. “We get to help people get dressed in these amazing clothes, shoes and jewellery – it’s so much fun!”
- Find a wealth of inspiration – Beyond spectacular traditional clothing for men, women and children, the bright colours and materials inspire many Seva shoppers to make new creations. Some incorporate individual pieces or scarves into something brand new, others find inspiration for amazing DIY projects. If it’s inspiration for the home you seek, you’ll find that in the many household and home decor items.
- Do good for your community – Operated by the non-profit Seva Thrift Society, all proceeds support local charities. In its first year, the Society donated $10,000 to Surrey Memorial Hospital and Outpatient Services for a biliblanket for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Donations also go to women’s shelters, refugee groups and others. Randhawa recently shared supplies and a little warmth with “Tent City.” “We brought so much, but in 45 minutes it was all gone,” she says. “We like to give wherever we can.”
- Support for children a world away – Arneja has also taken fabric to orphanages in India, where it’s crafted into clothing for the children. “We try not to waste anything – there’s so much need,” Randhawa says.
- It’s an easy and enjoyable experience – The bright, spacious Scott Road store is easily accessible, with lots of parking. Find ethnic clothing to the left, Western clothing to the right, and housewares and home decor in the back. And the friendly volunteers are always available to help and make your shopping experience an enjoyable one!
Visit Seva Thrift Store Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 9430 Scott Rd., Surrey. For details, to donate or volunteer, visit sevathrift.wordpress.com or call 778-293-0115.
