After months of planning, a well-known Halifax humanitarian is getting ready to begin a new venture.
Mel Boutilier left the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank – an organization he founded 30 years ago – earlier this year, but the 86-year-old insisted he would continue to help those in need.
With the help of some carpenters and a few volunteers, Boutilier’s Metro Care and Share is almost set to open on Agricola Street.
“I’m so happy to be back in the position where I can see possibilities of helping people,” says Boutilier.
“My wife and I are using some savings we had to make this building useable. We are wanting to help people who have extreme emergencies that cannot be met by other organizations.”
Boutilier says a key part of that will be education.
“I had seen many young people that are not able to go on with their education because their family is not in a position to be able to help them, to encourage them, to support them,” he says.
Boutilier is saving the details about his new organization for Thursday’s official announcement, but he says the thrift store will be a place where people can get good deals on everything from furniture to clothing. He plans to open the doors in January.
With the opening of Metro Care and Share in the near future, Boutilier is looking for a little help himself. Not just for donations to fill the shelves, but also for volunteers.
Boutilier says the organization needs people to help on cash, stock shelves, and fundraise.
And, as he approaches 87, there is no sign that Boutilier will be slowing down anytime soon.
“As long as I'm living, and there's an opportunity, I will be there helping people.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Jacqueline Foster
