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.

About Us: 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.

Summary:

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.

Key Responsibilities:

Retail

- 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.





Donations

- 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.

Teamwork

- 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.

Promotions

- 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.

Facilities

- 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.

Policies

- 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.

Health & Safety

- 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.

Information and Record-Keeping

- Assist the TS Team Lead and TS Manager with completion and/or filing of daily sales records, cash register and point-of-sales (POS) receipts, manually balancing register and all other necessary forms, including those for donated items given away to clients or others.
- Provide feedback to the TS Team Lead and TS Manager in all aspects of store operations, including customer, volunteer and donor feedback, and personal observations.

Requirements:

- Minimum 1 year of retail, thrift store or customer service experience is an asset.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office, POS systems and other relevant computer software programs is an asset.
- Basic math skills with the ability to manually calculate totals, make change, and reconcile cash transactions accurately.
- Frequent carrying, bending, lifting, and twisting with merchandise weighing up to 30 lbs while navigating stairs.
- Tasks may involve repetitive movements and handling of donations in varying sizes and weights.
- Ability to stand for long periods of time.
- Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
- Respect for donor confidentiality and dignity.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Alignment with the mission and values of the Kelowna Women’s Shelter Society.

Additional Requirements:

- Must be available for a minimum 8 shifts per month, including two Saturdays.

Location: Kelowna Women’s Thrift Store, Kelowna, BC

Hours of Work:

Varies based on the needs of the store

Store hours: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Saturday

Pay: $24.33/hour

Why Join Us? Be part of a mission-driven organization making a difference in the lives of children and families. Work in a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive environment. Access career development opportunities to grow your career.

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📌 Casual Thrift Store Donations & Retail Associate (Kelowna)
🏢 Kelowna-Women
📍 Kelowna