A Story of Success
The Knick Knack Nook Re-Use-It Store, a not for profit society, was the inspiration of Morganne Keplar. She was supported in this endeavour by Diane Marshall and representatives of three Bowen Schools and Cates Chapel and an expanded Board. After a steel building was erected on land donated by the Municipality, the Nook opened on November 8, 2009. Cabinets and shelving have been built from hemlock trees logged on the site. A commemorative board of tile plaques honours the many donors of expertise and financial support.
In 2016, the building was augmented by a two story addition to provide storage, a safer working space for volunteers and a well to supply much needed water. The present team of 45 creative and committed volunteers contribute over 12,000 hours of service every year. The success of the Nook relies on the enormous generosity of Bowen Islanders.
The aim of Knick Knack Nook is to reduce, reuse, recycle in order to keep clothing and other items out of the landfill as well as to provide islanders with a welcoming place where they can donate and buy reasonably priced items in good condition.
The primary goal of Knick Knack Nook is to be environmentally responsible in reaction to climate change. Social responsibility was added to this goal which enabled the Nook to support diverse Bowen Island programs. As well, scholarships are offered to students, in universities and colleges, to help them develop their capacity to advance environmental sustainability.
The Board of Knick Knack Nook recognizes that organics, a valuable island resource, continues to be trucked off the island. The objective is for Bowen to create its own community composting facility. To move this project forward, research, composting analysis and reports have been funded for the Municipality. The Nook has donated a composter to the BICS garden, and purchased two compactors for BIRD in order to reduce trips of recycled materials to the mainland.
In 2016, the building was augmented by a two story addition to provide storage, a safer working space for volunteers and a well to supply much needed water. The present team of 45 creative and committed volunteers contribute over 12,000 hours of service every year. The success of the Nook relies on the enormous generosity of Bowen Islanders.
The aim of Knick Knack Nook is to reduce, reuse, recycle in order to keep clothing and other items out of the landfill as well as to provide islanders with a welcoming place where they can donate and buy reasonably priced items in good condition.
The primary goal of Knick Knack Nook is to be environmentally responsible in reaction to climate change. Social responsibility was added to this goal which enabled the Nook to support diverse Bowen Island programs. As well, scholarships are offered to students, in universities and colleges, to help them develop their capacity to advance environmental sustainability.
The Board of Knick Knack Nook recognizes that organics, a valuable island resource, continues to be trucked off the island. The objective is for Bowen to create its own community composting facility. To move this project forward, research, composting analysis and reports have been funded for the Municipality. The Nook has donated a composter to the BICS garden, and purchased two compactors for BIRD in order to reduce trips of recycled materials to the mainland.