UPDATED May 4, 2026 | Responding to frequently asked questions from our community
We appreciate that our wonderful community is concerned about what is happening in our DHAS Thrift Shop. We’ve read your questions and are using this platform to respond.
Thank you for your interest in and support of DHAS and its Thrift Shop.
1. What is happening at the Thrift Shop regarding the workplace environment?
Concerns were raised about the workplace environment, and formal complaints were made. As a responsible organization, DHAS initiated an independent HR review to assess those concerns. That process is currently underway.
2. Why did DHAS take this step?
As a registered society, DHAS is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with fiduciary responsibilities under the Societies Act. A key part of that responsibility is ensuring a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for volunteers, staff, and the community.
When concerns are raised and formal complaints are made, it is important that they are taken seriously and addressed appropriately. Initiating an independent review is a responsible and standard step.
It’s important that we respond appropriately – as DHAS is supported by more than 350 volunteers, alongside a small team of staff. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.
3. Why aren’t you sharing more information?
We understand people want more information. However, we will not compromise a fair process by discussing individual complaints or personnel matters publicly.
The terms of reference for the review include examination of the specific complaints, providing findings regarding the alleged events, and make recommendations to resolve the situation and make recommendations to restore the workplace – which we hope will allow everyone to get to a better place.
4. Is the Thrift Shop closed?
The Thrift Shop was temporarily closed last week to allow the review process to proceed appropriately and to ensure that it does so in a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
The store opened Monday at its usual hours. We anticipate open every day this week, except Sunday, which is our usual day to be closed.
5. Are all the volunteers coming back to the Thrift Shop?
We certainly hope so. We have reached out to our volunteers and are looking forward to welcoming them back as they feel ready to return. Volunteers are at the heart of DHAS, and their contributions are deeply valued.
6. What is being done to support volunteers during this time?
We are communicating directly with volunteers and staff, providing updates, and working to ensure that volunteers feel supported and confident returning.
7 . Why do you have paid staff?
Organizations of this size and complexity require dedicated staff support – and all hospital auxiliaries of comparable size in BC have paid staff. At DHAS, staff are responsible for essential functions such as financial reporting and CRA filings, liaising with Fraser Health, ensuring bills are paid, maintaining legal compliance, and overseeing health and safety requirements.
With approximately $1.7 million in annual revenue, the organization is complex – and requires specific expertise and accountability.
8. Why do you need a Board of Directors for a thrift shop?
The Thrift Shop is part of a larger organization—a registered non-profit society with charitable status.
Under BC’s Societies Act, all such organizations are required to have a governing Board of Directors. The Board ensures legal compliance, provides oversight, and fulfills governance responsibilities such as filing annual reports.
Without a Board, the organization cannot legally operate and risks dissolution.
9. Who are the people on the DHAS Board?
Board members are volunteers from the community. They are your neighbours, local professionals, and community members who bring a range of experience and skills.
Many are retired or semi-retired and have chosen to contribute their time and expertise to support DHAS and its mission.
10. Why does the Thrift Shop need policies?
Policies are essential to meet provincial requirements—including health and safety and respectful workplace standards, among others. The Board is responsible for ensuring clear, up-to-date policies are established, maintained, and applied across DHAS operations, including the Thrift Shop.
11. What is your message to the community right now?
For more than 50 years, DHAS has been part of the fabric of this community. Our work is powered by volunteers and grounded in a shared commitment to service, respect, and care.
We remain committed to those values as we work through this process.
12. What happens next?
We will continue to follow the independent review process, communicate where appropriate, and continue to operate the Thrift Shop responsibly.
Our priority remains a safe, respectful environment and continued support for the Delta Hospital Campus of Care and the community.