About Us

Who We Are

BASES Family Thrift Store, located in Burnaby, is on Coast Salish territory in the traditional and ancestral lands of the hn̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and skwx̱wú7 mesh speaking people. Our neighboring community of New Westminster is also in Coast Salish territory on the traditional and unceded lands of the qiqeyt people. Both cities are home to Indigenous people from all over our country. With 50% of Burnaby’s population born outside of Canada and more than 100 languages spoken by its residents, it is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Canada as is New West similarly diverse with 35% of its population born outside of Canada.

Our Mission

We will provide opportunities for children, youth, families and our community that lead toward success and independence.

Our Vision

A community where all children, youth, and families are able to develop strong foundations for an independent, positive future.

Our History

In 2011, two Burnaby Community School Coordinators saw a need to support vulnerable children and families South East Burnaby. The idea was to create a way so that all funds raised would go back to the community providing sustainable funding in the neediest Burnaby schools. Accessing grants proved difficult and unreliable. Inspired by the work of the Royal Columbian Thrift Store, the idea of starting the BASES Family Thrift Store was born. The grand opening happened in October 2013.

In 2014, BASES raised a few thousand dollars and was thrilled to supported 4 Burnaby. By 2018 BASES had expanded its support to 12 schools from both the Burnaby and New Westminster School District. Our partner schools in Burnaby and New Westminster now include:

Armstrong, Byrne Creek, Cariboo Hill, Edmonds, Maywood, Morley, Second Street, Stride, Twelfth Avenue, Windsor, Fraser River Middle, Qayqayt and Lord Kelvin.

Since 2012, BASES has donated over $550,000 to programming for children and youth in our community.

BASES continues to focus on our goal of helping marginalized students have opportunities that align with other students and that they enjoy the possibility of doors opening throughout their entire school experience. Canada will be a better place when those who are underserved receive opportunities that are assumed by most Canadians.

Our Partners

McEwen Family Fund - Ward McAllister - Heather Brookes - Carole Rice - Marilyn Simmons - Kathy Richardson - Core Learning Resources - Sharon & Allen Domaas - Judi McQueen

Governance

BASES is dedicated to building strong foundations for children, youth and families in Burnaby through the work of BASES Family Thrift Store and our program partnerships with schools in Burnaby and New Westminster.

The volunteer Board of Directors is the body accountable for the overall governance of BASES, keeps the non-profit focused on its mission and provides support and oversight of the Executive Director. The BASES Board is responsible for financial management, strategic planning, setting ethical standards and values and ensuring legal compliance as a charitable non-profit organization is followed. Directors take on a variety of roles through committee work, oversee the school grants program and communication with our school partners, volunteer as needed in the thrift store and serve as ambassadors for BASES in the greater community.

Board of Directors

Dale Owen (President)

Dale has always been passionate about serving her community and brings a wealth of leadership experience to BASES, having served on several arts and education related boards for four decades. Involved with BASES since 2012, she continues to be inspired by the vision and commitment of her fellow board members and grateful for the dedicated, generous volunteers and donors who support our cause. A retired Burnaby community school coordinator, Dale understands firsthand the positive impact of BASES mission in funding accessible, quality after-school programs for all our children and youth. In her free time, Dale is on the pickleball court and singing great choral music.

Peggy Woodruff (Vice President)

As a former teacher and small business owner, I came to BASES Board with a passion for supporting vulnerable children. I am fortunate to live in a community where many cultures come together to live and grow. My children are now raising their children in this part of Canada that has become home to refugees and so many immigrants

Janice Froese (Treasurer)

As a retired CPA, Janice welcomes the opportunity to use her accounting skills to give back to the community. From growing up in a small town where community was important to being a Rotarian for over 30 years, service is an integral part of her life. She especially enjoys working with youth through Interact, Rotaract and the Boots for Kids program. As a Burnaby resident, she is also environmentally active with Eagle Creek Streamkeepers and the Burnaby Lake Park Society. BASES is a perfect fit for her by combining her skills and interests providing opportunities for youth through raising funds in an environmentally responsible way.

Kathy Richardson (Recording Secretary)

My lifelong love of children, families and people of all ages and their well-being, makes BASES a natural fit for me. Through my work in health care, music, and education, finally as Community School Coordinator at Edmonds, I am aware of the many complex needs of people. Those people who become vulnerable, due to a variety of reasons, find it much more difficult to meet these needs. I am committed to working together to make our community and the world a more equitable place for all to live and thrive. It is a joy to serve BASES, whether working in the store in the Craft section or doing Board tasks, as we meet our goals of providing low-cost goods for the community, providing funds for activities in the schools and being part of the warm, supportive family that is BASES

Emily Sutherland (Director at Large)

I am a retired Burnaby teacher and a long-time resident of the city. I feel very fortunate to serve on the BASES Board and to continue my relationship with the community. BASES commitment to supporting youth and children reach their “full academic, personal and physical potential” resonates strongly with me. In my experience, the children and youth in Burnaby and New West schools (with the guidance of dedicated staff) enrich their neighbourhoods and our larger community. However, some children and youth may need additional funding support to ensure that they have equal access to out-of-school programming. I know that when equal access is available we all benefit.

Sharon Domaas (Director at Large)

As an educator of 35 years primarily in the Burnaby School district I saw firsthand the inequities apparent for children and families. I wanted to work on offering children the same opportunities for success despite their financial background. Working on the BASES Board has given me a way to help provide those opportunities.

Brenda Hain (Director at Large)

After 35 years as a primary teacher and elementary school librarian in the Burnaby School District, I was eager to remain involved with children and families when I retired. BASES has provided a perfect volunteer opportunity. Each week I spend time sorting and shelving the books that are donated to BASES Family Thrift Store and I’m always happy to help our customers locate a favourite author or title. The income generated at the store allows us to support programs for children and youth in Burnaby and New Westminster. I feel so fortunate to be part of this organization.

Isabel Barros (Executive Director)

As a daughter of immigrant parents, I know firsthand how the lack of finances can limit the extra curricular experiences of a child. As a parent, I became deeply involved in my children’s school PAC and worked with our parent team to fundraise for projects and programs so that no child in our school would be denied any opportunity to participate. Unfortunately, not all schools have the same ability to fundraise successfully. BASES strives to be that organization that works to level the playing field for all children in our community. Working to create access to quality afterschool programming for all children in our community is our goal.