Ever wonder what happens to all the fancy jackets, sunglasses and forgotten treasures left behind at Victoria’s high-end hotels?
Next week, Soap for Hope Canada is giving you a rare chance to find out — and maybe even take a few home.
From August 12th to 17th, the local charity is hosting its Second Hand Hope pop-up shop at Market Square, where shoppers can browse a curated selection of lost and found items collected from hotels like the Fairmont Empress, Delta Ocean Pointe and others around BC.
Think stylish clothing, brand-name accessories, skincare, and more — all sorted, cleaned and ready for a second life.
It’s part pop-up thrift store, part fundraiser. Proceeds from every sale go directly toward Soap for Hope’s mission of providing hygiene essentials to shelters and community groups across BC and Alberta.
Some of the items up for sale are barely used.
The shop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Saturday, and entry is free. All products have been donated through partnerships with more than 60 hotels — including luxury locations in Victoria and Whistler — and repurposed to raise money for hygiene kits and support services.
Soap for Hope has grown into one of the most quietly impactful charities on the island, rescuing gently used hygiene products, linens and hotel lost-and-found items, and distributing them to people in need.
“We’re excited to bring Second Hand Hope to Market Square,” says McIntyre, Founder & Executive Director of Soap for Hope Canada.
“Every purchase supports our mission to change lives by providing hope and dignity through hygiene, while letting shoppers find incredible items at affordable prices.”
Next week’s pop-up shop brings that mission into full view — giving people a chance to shop for a cause, while also scoring some surprising finds from Victoria’s most iconic hotels.
Second Hand Hope runs August 12th to 17th at Market Square (unit 120, 560 Johnson Street). Admission is free, and all proceeds support Soap for Hope Canada’s hygiene outreach programs.
Thrift with Purpose
- Where: Market Square (unit #120 on Johnson Street)
- When: August 12th to 17th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
