By Stu Salkeld The Stettler Independent
A very popular Stettler secondhand charity will not have its lease renewed this fall, so it’s in search of a new home.
And that search is not going well.
The ever-popular Superfluity, located on Main Street and which offers clothes, kitchen appliances, shoes, toys, entertainment and much more, was notified that their landlord will not be renewing the charity’s lease when it comes due in Sept., 2018.
Superfluity president Jennifer Holubetz and treasurer Rose Wesner answered a few questions Jan. 19 about the search for a new home. For those unaware, Superfluity is a volunteer-operated charity which accepts donations of many different items, sells them and donates all proceeds to local charity.
Holubetz said, “The lease is not going to be renewed in Sept., 2018.” She noted the property owner, Len Hoac, who owns The Brick furniture store next door, told Superfluity when he opened his doors that the charity was welcome to stay until the lease was due.
She said Hoac has been very accommodating and understanding and has tried to help Superfluity. “I have to say, he has tried to help us find a space,” said Holubetz.
“It’s not a hostile situation of anything like that.”
The Stettler Independent spoke with Hoac, The Brick Stettler owner, by phone Jan. 23. He confirmed he notified Superfluity in early winter, 2016 that their lease wouldn’t be renewed because The Brick needs that space for storage.
Hoac also confirmed he’s been helping Superfluity look for a new home, but so far without much luck. He said The Brick and Superfluity have been working together to solve the problem.
Holubetz stated, with the lease expiring in Sept., the organization has become stressed out as Superfluity has not been able to find any location to move into. She said Superfluity has been looking for a space since last spring and, so far, has had no luck.
Superfluity would ideally like to find a place with 6,000 square feet, a little bit larger than their current 5,200. Holubetz noted the store is getting busier and busier every year. Wesner noted Superfluity has again cleared $100,000 in donations in 2017, and the charity appears to be getting more popular every year.
Holubetz said the charity would love to find a location on Main Street, but there doesn’t appear to be a lot available right now.
The building doesn’t need to be especially fancy. “We don’t need much,” said Wesner. Ideally, the new location wouldn’t have stairs, as both customers and volunteers may have some mobility issues.
Holubetz said if it appears Superfluity would have to take a location with a higher rent, the charity would prefer to have a mortgage instead.
She noted that Superfluity not only plays a strong role in the community through donations, but also showcases Stettler and area as a great example of the power of recycling. Truckloads of stuff find new owners, rather than a landfill or bonfire.
If you can help Superfluity find a new home, call 403-740-2881.