Fifty years of giving back... that's what Nettie Berg was recognized for this week after a half century of volunteering at the Morden Community Thrift Store. She was publicly thanked during the organization's donation distribution event on Monday.
"I've been doing it for fifty years, and I do it because I like the fellowship with all the people I work with, and we get along good," she shared. "It's fun. You see all kinds of different stuff coming in all the time. It's surprising."
And what have been some of those unique treasures that have made it to the store?
"A lot of the expensive clothing has come in, and still got tags on them," she said. "You can't price it for that amount here at the thrift store, so we have to price it low, but it's surprising you buy that and then you bring it here."
Reflecting on those early days
Berg helps with sorting on Wednesday's, something that may be a little easier in the current store than the first location she volunteered in.
"We were up in the post office at that time, and so it was two flights of stairs we had to go up and carry everything in," she reflected. "It was just such a small operation then, but now it's really expanded and a lot of money has been made here for the community."
Store President Kent Noel presented Berg with a bouquet of flowers and thank you card for her dedication.
"Fifty years with the Morden Community Thrift Shop, I don't think that's an achievement anyone is going to pass," he said. "We've got a lot of volunteers that have many, many years, but I just don't think we're going to have another one who can do the fifty year mark."
A joy to be around
Noel describes Berg as having a bubbly personality.
"Always smiling, just a joy to be around," he said. "Everybody in the store is a joy, but when you see fifty years, it's hard to imagine."
Berg admitted she was a little embarrassed at the all the attention, but it was a very important day for her and something she enjoyed greatly.
"I like it here, and I hope to stay until my last day here," she said with a smile.
You can listen to our conversation with Nettie Berg, below.
- With files from Robyn Wiebe -