Nearly New Thrift Store Celebrates Grand Re-Opening After Extensive Water Damage

The Nearly New Thrift Store, a longtime Queen Street staple and social enterprise of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara (BBBSN), officially celebrated its grand reopening on Thursday, May 7, after an unexpected month and a half closure caused by extensive water damage in late February.

As the only social enterprise and predictable revenue source for BBBSN, the Nearly New Thrift Store plays a vital role in helping support youth mentoring programs across Niagara. The damage and closure were major setbacks for the social enterprise that has seen significant growth over the past year thanks to intentional investments.

The sudden disruption and inability to operate was deeply felt. This is a significant loss for a social enterprise that helps make life-changing mentorship possible for young people in our community.

Photos of the water damage taken on February 28th, 2026

The Grand Re-Opening brought together community members, shoppers, volunteers, BBBSN staff, and local leaders to recognize the store’s recovery and its important role in supporting youth mentoring programs across Niagara.

Grand Re-Opening, May 7th, 2026

“This was a heartbreaking setback for our store and for the no-cost to families mentorship it supports,” said Sarah Ludberg, Senior Director of People and Programs. “The Nearly New Thrift Store is more than a store. It is an important part of how we help fund mentoring programs for young people across Niagara. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us through this difficult time.”

As the store continues to recover, BBBSN is reaching out to the community for support. There are various important ways to help:

•Donate gently used, nearly new items to help rebuild inventory (clothing, accessories and small household items).
•Shop the store and help us reach new thrift shoppers
•Volunteer and become part of the store community (minimum commitment of 3 hours per week)
•Make a financial donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara

BBBSN extends sincere thanks to the many volunteers, donors, and shoppers who helped navigate these challenging two months.

Volunteers helping to set up the store after the renovations, April 16th, 2026

“We are continuing to grow the store even further so we can support more young people and families across Niagara,” said Erin Graybiel, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who stood by us through this difficult time.”

Over the past year, the Nearly New Thrift Store has experienced meaningful growth thanks to intentional investments, increased community engagement, and the dedication of volunteers,
donors, shoppers, and staff. The unexpected closure was a major setback, but the reopening marks an important step forward for the store and the agency.

BBBSN continues to welcome community support as the store rebuilds and recovers. Community members can help by donating gently used, nearly new items, shopping at the store, volunteering a minimum of three hours per week, or making a financial donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara at www.bbbsniagara.ca.

Community leaders and supporters came together to celebrate and support the store on May 7, 2026.

From left to right: Sue Mingle, representative from MP Tony Baldinelli’s office; Nancy Braye, Salvation Army in Niagara Falls; Erin Graybiel, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara; Shannon Mitchell, representative from the office of MPP Wayne Gates; Sarah Ludberg, Senior Director of People and Programs; Niagara Falls City Councillor Lori Lococo; Nancy Willson, Nearly New Thrift Store Coordinator; Felicia Werner representative from University of Niagara Falls; and Niagara Falls City Councillor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg.