Our History

Over 65 Years of Community, Generosity & Giving Back

Since 1957, the YXE Opportunity Shop has been part of the Saskatoon community. What began as a small volunteer initiative connected to the YWCA has grown into an independent, non-profit thrift store built by generations of volunteers, donors, and shoppers.

While the Opportunity Shop is now independent from the YWCA, its history of community service continues to shape who we are today. Throughout the years, around $1 million dollars has been made, helping to serve the community. 

1957 — Where It All Began

In May 1957, Rosalie Early, Irene Wetter, and Jose Smith established a temporary Opportunity Shop with the support of the YWCA Guild. The original goal was to raise funds to help furnish bedrooms in a new YWCA expansion.

The first Shop operated with the help of volunteers and donations from the Saskatoon community. Items were sold and consigned to raise funds for the YWCA, establishing the tradition of community support that has remained at the heart of the Shop for more than six decades.

Growing Through the Years

In its early years, the Opportunity Shop operated from several locations, including the Hazen Building on 22nd Street, the second floor of Folk Finer Furs on 20th Street, and the basement of the YWCA on 24th Street.

In September 1962, the Shop moved to 410 2nd Avenue North, allowing it to expand its hours of operation.

In 1963, Florence Robins became the Shop's first paid full-time manager, while volunteers from across the community continued to play an important role in its operation.

In 1985, the Shop moved to #4–511 First Avenue North, where it remained for more than three decades. During this period, the Shop continued to support community initiatives and contributed to fundraising efforts for a new YWCA facility and women's shelter on 25th Street.

The Shop also contributed to other YWCA projects over the years, including the Community Village project in 2000 and renovations to the YWCA Child Care Centre, Fitness Centre, and Gym in 2007.

2018 — A New Location

As the Shop continued to grow, it moved to its current location at #1–511 First Avenue North in February 2018.

By this time, the Opportunity Shop had become a well-established part of Saskatoon's second-hand shopping community, supported by volunteers, part-time staff, and generous donations.

2023 — Becoming Independent

For more than six decades, the Opportunity Shop operated under the umbrella of the YWCA, with proceeds supporting YWCA initiatives serving women, children, and families.

In May 2023, the Opportunity Shop officially became independent from the YWCA and began operating as YXE Opportunity Shop – Thrift Store, continuing as a non-profit organization.

Becoming independent marked an important new chapter, but the values that built the Shop remain the same: community, generosity, volunteerism, and giving back.

Today

Today, YXE Opportunity Shop continues the tradition that began in 1957.

The Shop is now donation-based, offering gently used clothing, accessories, books, household goods, linens, and other unique finds at affordable prices.

Our volunteers remain at the heart of the organization. Some have been part of the Shop for many years, while new volunteers continue to bring their time, skills, energy, and friendship to the team.

After more than six decades of service, the YXE Opportunity Shop has contributed around one million dollars to the community throughout its history.

Shop With Purpose

When you shop at YXE Opportunity Shop, you're doing more than finding something at an affordable price.

You're helping give items a second life.
You're supporting a community-minded organization.
And you're helping continue a tradition of giving that began more than 65 years ago.

Every donation, volunteer hour, and purchase helps keep that tradition going. From a small temporary shop founded by a handful of dedicated women to the independent non-profit organization it is today, YXE Opportunity Shop continues to be built on the same values that started it all:

Community. Generosity. Volunteerism. Giving Back.

Good Finds. Greater Impact.