"The Thrift Store is the best success stories nobody hears about... we're the closest thing to Santa's elves south of the pole."

That from store President Normand Poirier.

In total, ten local organizations covering health care, emergency services, counselling services and sports recieved a major funding boost this week thanks to the Morden Community Thrift Store.

Local health care organizations saw a boost including the Menzies Medical Centre which received $100,000 for doctors and staff, while Tabor Home saw $50,000 for beds and blood pressure equipment.

"The last six months have been a real challenge in terms of being able to manage equipment needs," Tabor Home CEO Carolyn Fenny says. "So we're really excited to be able to purchase some new mattresses and equipment and be able to supplement some staff positions... it's a really generous donation."

STARS Air Ambulance received $50,000 for operating costs. "It means so much that we get this community support," STARS' rep Darryl Braun says. "Ultimately, we're here to save lives, and if we can save another life through this donation, that's gold."

Other donations for emergency services include $50,000 for an emergency generator for the Southern Emergency Response Committee (SERC), $15,000 for the Darlingford Fire Department for a breathing apparatus to be shared with Manitou and Morden Fire Departments.

$10,000 was earmarked for the Pembina Counselling Centre, as well as $12,000 for Youth for Christ.

Morden Minor Baseball received $9,000, $3,000 for Morden Figure Skating, and $6,000 for local scholarships.

Poirier thanked all volunteer staff and patrons for making the organization possible.

He invites anyone with some free time and an interest in "being part of something larger," to consider volunteering.

"An hour a day, anything at all, helps," he says.