Casual Thrift Store Donations & Retail Associate

Are you passionate about creating safe spaces for individuals experiencing domestic abuse? Do you thrive in environments where your leadership can make a tangible difference in people's lives? If so, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter (KWS) invites you to join our team as a Thrift Store Donations & Retail Assistant.

KWS has been providing programs and services for people impacted by Domestic Abuse since 1980. Our programs include emergency and second-stage housing, PEACE program, community-based victim services, sexualized assault services, education and prevention initiatives, a 24/7 support line, and a community thrift store. We are committed to fostering safety, choice, and inclusion, and believe in building a community free from abuse and sexualized violence through education, support, and strong partnerships.

As a Donations & Retail Sales Associate, you will support the effective daily operations of the Thrift Store by ensuring a positive, organized, and service-focused environment. This role is responsible for receiving and processing donations, maintaining a clean and well-merchandised sales floor, and delivering consistent, high-quality customer service. Your professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to representing Kelowna Women’s Shelter’s (KWS) values contribute directly to an efficient retail operation and a positive experience for both donors and customers.

• Greet and assist customers in a friendly and professional manner and ensure store is welcoming at all times;
• Assist with displays and inventory prices, in consultation with the TS Manager and TS team members/volunteers;
• Sorting and pricing items;
• Stocking shelves and racks;
• Displaying items and maintaining display areas.
• Placing and replacing signage;
• Processing purchases via established store POS system with various forms of payment;
• Register float maintenance, transaction records, securing cash and deposits;
• Process smaller donations at sales counter;
• Daily opening and closing procedures;
• Ensure cash area is tidy and organized at all times; and
• Any other duties required to maintain the store’s day-to-day operations.

• Greet and thank donors warmly, creating a respectful and positive experience.
• Accept or respectfully decline donations based on established guidelines.
• Communicate the mission and impact of KWS to new and existing donors.
• Safely handle, lift, and carry donation items up and down outdoor steps.
• Sort and triage donations into appropriate categories (e.g., clothing, books, electronics).
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the donation area.

• Collaborate with volunteers in the sorting, pricing and organizing of incoming donations and the recycling of unsuitable donations.
• Assist the TS Team Lead and TS Manager in the orientation, training of TS team members/volunteers.
• Bring any personnel concerns to the attention of the TS Manager, where necessary.
• Assist the TS Team Lead and Manager to recognize TS volunteers and donors.
• Participate in regular team meetings.
• Contributes to a collaborative work climate which attracts, maintains, and motivates team members and volunteers.

• Assist in the promotion of the Thrift Store, as delegated by the TS Manager and/or TS Team Lead, by responding to inquiries and/or participating in public events or advertisements.

• Identify the need for supplies, equipment and/or fixtures and bring to the attention of the TS Manager. If assigned, ensure all necessary paperwork is completed, distributed and/or filed per policy, procedure and/or process.
• Perform cleaning and maintenance tasks, as delegated by the TS Team Lead or TS Manager, and ensure the Thrift Store and sorting room are organized and clean.

• Adhere to all policies, procedures and processes of KWS and KWS Thrift Store.
• Identify potential changes required in Thrift Store policies, procedures and/or processes, directly to the TS Manager.

• Adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures of the Thrift Store as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and Workers Compensation Act.

• Assist the TS Team Lead…