North Hastings Community Integration Association’s not for profit business “The Refill Station” focuses on offering affordable eco-friendly products and employment for people with disabilities.
The store offers bulk products like liquid soaps, shampoos and household cleaners that people can purchase by filling or re-filling recycled bottles.
Executive Director of NHCIA Teena Surma says in starting the refill station they had “three pillars’ they wanted to focus on.
“We wanted to encourage reduction of plastics and waste and we wanted to use eco-friendly and Canadian products” said Surma. She went on to also emphasize the importance of job creation.
“There’s the opportunity for people to build skills and confidence” said Surma, “You know, somebody might have started out a bit shy or maybe it’s their first job and now they’re greeting people when they come in and they’re learning how to use the Square (payment processing system)and measure the products and all those things. So it’s been really great for building confidence.”
Surma also pointed out an added benefit of the station was making products more affordable.
“We usually have containers as well that people can borrow that have been recycled and they can fill it up and it’s a really great cost”
The refill station is open Thursday 2pm-6pm, Friday 10am-2pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. It is located at 12 Station St (by the Legion and Bancroft Fitness)
Monday to Friday people can also phone in their orders for pick up during store hours.
For more information check out The Refill Station on facebook