I heard about these West Island thrift shops a little while ago and was so excited to go check them out (this is a review for the Beaconsfield one but there is one in Ste Annes and one on St Charles as well.) The NOVA thrift shops are stocked by donations from all over the West Island. They are non-profit organizations run by the Order of Nurses and all the money raised goes to their charitable activities: "The primary mandate is to provide specialized care and support in the home to cancer and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) clients during the course of the illness and particularly in the palliative stage. Other programs include bereavement support for children and adults, adult day centers, home support services and foot care clinics. ALS and Alzheimer Caregivers Support Groups are also available." So that's wonderful and merits all the stars.
This NOVA location has furniture, some really gorgeous old tables, chairs and lamps at super reasonable prices. There's also a great collection of books, clothes, kitchen ware and other treasures. The other two NOVAs don't have the furniture, and the one in Ste Anne's had the most exciting dishes and ceramics and fur coats.
If you love looking for secondhand treasures these are sweet spots in beautiful neighbourhoods that feel like old villages, a surprising break from the city just a 20ish minute drive from downtown. The staff are as friendly and dedicated as you might imagine and everything they have for sale is clean and high quality. Lovely spot to donate your goods as well! All the love for NOVA. read more