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 effective 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 pricing, 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

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 professional development opportunities to grow your career.

We acknowledge that the Kelowna Women’s Shelter is located on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.

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📌 Thrift Store Donations & Retail Associate - Casual (British Columbia)
🏢 Kelowna Women's Shelter
📍 British Columbia