Rotary: Speakers corner -Cheryl Rasmussen

Posted by Trudy Gallant 
on Aug 2, 2012
 
Its always so inspiring to meet someone who has seen a need in others and then decides to do something about it!!  
ImageAUGUST 1ST, 2012
 
Its always so inspiring to meet someone who has seen a need in others and then decides to do something about it!!  Today, our guest speaker Cheryl Rasmussen, of Full Circle Furniture, showed us how, with some courage, creativity  and determination..it can be done!
 
Cheryl was a local Community Service worker with the Port Coquitlam and Area Women's Centre for 15 years, where she saw a need that was not being met for her clients.  She saw the way people were overwhelmed with the thought of leaving one life behind them and literally starting again from scratch to create a new home.  They needed all the basic furniture and appliances. 
 
She also knew that many people  were willing to donate items but usually they wanted them picked up and they wanted them gone right away! Cheryl's clients normally had no way to transport any thing..never mind large items like sofas, tables and beds.
 
Cheryl  started to collect items..even renting a truck and scouring the annual civic Spring Cleanups.  She  restored what she could and began to sell items to support storage costs.  And in that "way of the universe" the person who ran the storage service got curious about what she was doing and asked her what was up with all the furniture.  That person had been a child who knew what it meant not to have a stable home and they opened their heart to Cheryl's dream. 
 
Eventually, with the support of her husband (who was a woodworker) and other  family,  Cheryl started a consignment store and she also  learned how to refinish her donated finds.  Today,  Full Circle Furniture takes referrals from a wide variety of community sources....including the police and fire departments, the Ministry of Children and Families and other community agencies.  She works closely with SHARE as well, who will also help to meet needs when Cheryl's own supplies can't.  She services about 15 families every month and finds great needs for dressers and beds.
 
When items are donated..she keeps them in the store for 5 days..if they dont sell..in those first five days..they go into the supplies offered to clients.  Sales go to support her costs.  She is also willing to take on some refinishing projects for cash. Her service will pick up donated items for a $25 fee...(within 5 kms).   Her needs include a new store front to house her store (which is currently on Clark Street in Port Moody) and volunteers to help move the furniture.
 
Please think of Cheryl if you have some furniture or newer appliances (under 7 years old) to donate..of maybe you are looking to refinish an old table or some chairs...you will be supporting a great cause!