The Humane Society Thrift Store of the past is no longer here! Significant incomes in 2012 and 2013 – supporting the Animal Shelter – are history.
The newly hired director (July 2014) accused long-term staff members and volunteers of stealing, larceny and check-in manipulations, resulting in the majority of devoted workers being fired or leaving. Those remaining were accused of causing “a toxic work environment” without documentation.
A number of volunteers have been forbidden to enter the thrift store premises or shop there. Fourteen volunteers remained at the time of the Feb. 25 board meeting.
The new director, lacking merchandising background, was hired to “clean up” the thrift store. This resulted in new, paid staff doing the work of former unpaid volunteers.
How is that increasing income to support our animals? How is that for setting up a really toxic work environment, as it is now?
Edith Balceris
Bayfield
