The Morden Thrift Store recently gave back $364,231 to the community.

"The community is being very supportive with bringing in donations and shopping here," said store President Jean Hildebrand. "We've had an excellent year."

Hildebrand noted this is higher than last year and they're grateful to be able to give back to the community. She added being able to give back to the community in this way really helps keep the volunteers going.

One of the groups who received funding was the Morden Youth For Christ (YFC), who was granted $15,000.

YFC Volunteer Coordinator Pat Heinrichs explained the funds will be used for programming.

Hildebrand said there is a lot of places where this money will help including buying groceries for the centre and for the concession, as well as building maintenance, and bringing in guest speakers for the children to listen to.
 
Another large organization who received a grant was the Pembina Counselling Centre. The Centre received $60,000.

"We're just really grateful for this donation," said Executive Director Paul Penner.

Penner said this money will be earmarked for a renovation project in a new location. He noted the need for their services has outgrown their current space.

The proposed new location is in Boundary Trails Place, but Penner said there is still more work to be done before everything is finalized. He added the project can move forward once they have the entire budgeted $86,000 in place.

Eight different organizations received funds including;

- Morden Police Service - $7,558.69
- Pembina Valley Pregnancy Care Centre - $5,000
- Tabor Home (Spirital Care) - $12,000
- Pembina Counselling Centre - $60,000
- Morden Youth For Christ - $15,000
- Agassiz Medical Centre - $9,673
- Morden Handi- Van - $5,000
- Boundary Trails Hospital $250,000