Lethbridge woman, 90, has been volunteering for nearly 50 years at local thrift store

Elvira Dueck, 90, has been volunteering at the Lethbridge MCC Thrift Store for nearly 50 years.

“I thought it was a very worthy cause helping people all over the world. With today’s economy, I think it’s a lot of help for people right here,” Dueck said. “Many people shop here and get excellent value for their money.”

Dueck was one of the very first volunteers when the shop opened its doors in the 1970s. She drives herself from Coaldale around six times a month, working the till and dealing with customers.

“I have met a lot of customers, enough to make friends with some of them and be on a first name basis with some.”

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Anytime the thrift store needs Dueck, she’s there and she has remained a dedicated volunteer even while raising nine children.

“What always makes the day is when some person cannot pay for purchases they bought and someone behind them says, ‘I will pay for it,'” Dueck said. “It happens almost any time I’m here and it just makes my day.”

Dueck also volunteers at the Coaldale hospital and said she will continue to help others as long as she is healthy and encourages others to volunteer.

“Go for it and the satisfaction you get knowing you’re a small part of helping worthy cause.”