The Whitehorse Community Thrift Store Society said Wednesday an unprecedented $100,000 from the store’s profits will be sent out into the community to support a variety of projects and programs.

Of that amount, $75,000 has gone to the Yukon Hospital Foundation, with the balance going to several community organizations.

The $75,000-cheque for the foundation was presented at the thrift store Thursday morning.

“This donation will be used to purchase a Point of Care Ultrasound machine for the Maternity Unit at Whitehorse General Hospital,” said foundation president Karen Forward.

“The Point of Care Ultrasound is a vital piece of equipment that will greatly enhance the quality of care provided to expectant mothers and their newborns.

“This state-of-the-art technology allows for real-time imaging, enabling medical professionals to assess fetal health, monitor pregnancies, and diagnose potential complications swiftly and accurately.”

Its portability and versatility make it “an invaluable tool in emergency situations, ensuring timely interventions and optimal outcomes for both mothers and babies,” Forward added.

“We are immensely grateful to the Whitehorse Community Thrift Store for their generous donation.

“This donation will help us advance the quality of health care services in our community and ensure that families receive the highest standard of care during their most precious moments.”

Since its start in 2018, the board, staff and volunteers of the Love2Thrift store have worked tirelessly to raise money from the sale of donations from the community so its profits can be funnelled back to the community that provides those donations.

“This is the thrift store’s largest donation to date, demonstrating what a community can do when it sets its mind to it ... and the good things that can be provided to the community as a result,” the society said.

“We are proud to make this donation, and to know it will be used to improve maternity care at Whitehorse General Hospital,” said Joie Quarton, the society’s president.

“Contributing to essential medical equipment like the Point of Care Ultrasound is a way to ensure the community benefits from supporting the thrift store!”

The other donations recipients and their projects are:

• Whitehorse Food Bank, to fund the children’s snack program, $5,000;

• Freedom Trails Therapeutic Riding Association, to support the seniors’ program and equipment repair, $500;

• Guild Hall Society, to contribute to the cost of maintaining the outdoor venue in Porter Creek, $1,500;

• Lorne Mountain Community Association, to hold a repair fair, $3,000;

• Raven Recycling Society, to fund a series of ZeroWaste workshops, $4,000;

• redesign Fair, to support coordination of the 2024 redesign Fair, $1,500;

• Watson Lake Disc Golf, to purchase baskets and sleeves to complete the community disc golf course, $500;

• Whitehorse United Church, to support a community barbecue and bag lunch service, $500;

• Whitehorse Bike Kitchen Task Force, to support bicycle repairs and reuse, $4,000;

• Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition, to fund the October 2024 Whitehorse Connects, $4,000; and

• Yukonstruct, to purchase supplies for repair cafés, $500.

Applications to the thrift store society’s Sharing Our Success program were evaluated based on their alignment with its values of turning waste into wealth, creating opportunities for those in need and making a difference.

“As Yukoners increasingly recognize the impact of our consumer habits and the value of purchasing good-quality used clothing and housewares, Whitehorse moves towards creating a more circular economy!” the society said.