(Ross Lavigne/CHAT News)

By Eli J. Ridder | @EliRidder

Post thrift store not reopening as CMHA Alberta Southeast Region shutters

Dec 1, 2023 | 5:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Post thrift store downtown Medicine Hat will not reopen as the organization that runs it — a local division of the Canadian Mental Health Association — is in the process of shutting down, CHAT News learned Friday.

The mental health association’s Alberta Southeast Region, known as ASER, ran out of funds so its board voted to shutter the organization unanimously earlier this week, board chair Carole Hillson told CHAT News.

“It is ceasing operations due to lack of funding and how it plays out in the immediate future is largely in the hands of our creditors,” Hillson said.

ASER employees, including those at the Post thrift store, were told they were let go on Tuesday.

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Those employees received a final paycheque Friday, something that Hillson said was nearly not possible.

Hillson explained ASER tried to hold out and continue operating for longer but it became impossible for the board to approve the steps necessary to keep the doors open.

“It became evident that there were gaps in our ability to meet all our existing contractual obligations,” Hillson said.

“For example, you can be a non-profit with half-a-million dollars in the bank and be broke because all that money is specifically allocated to this program or that program with no additional amount saved for rent, or utilities or other things that are going on in the organization.”

“Operations continue and what is the most important bill to be paid? Unfortunately, it is the one that’s in front of you, the one that is next.”

ASER got to point where it was unable to cover the bills that were up next, according to Hillson.

More details to follow.