Posted on by Mel Lucier
The Joy Of Thrifting
At the Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex Re-Store Customer Service Representative Emma Caldwell-Dumouchelle is your goto guide — greeting you with a smile and pointing you toward the best deals, stacked higher than the dresser she stands behind! Photo courtesy of Hope Lovell/Habitat Windsor Essex.
03
Jun

MEL KNOWS . . . KINDA. The Joy Of Thrifting

I know a few things about stretching your dollars, supporting the community, and having fun shopping — and I’m kicking off my debut advice column with a visit to the Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex Re-Store.

Located at 51 Edinborough Street — tucked behind Tepperman’s — a sense of joy awaits you, where every aisle is a little eclectic, unexpected and full of possibility.

It has been my first go-to for second-hand furniture and appliances, and random home renovation supplies.

Combined with wonderful community service, it’s easy to forget all the important work Habitat does, where saving money meets saving the Earth.

Established in 1994, the Windsor location (an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada) has built or restored 165 homes for people who would otherwise be unable to enter home ownership. Providing stable housing is a strong priority in any city; let’s not forget all the wonderful things Habitat does for both people and our planet.

Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex has thousands of volunteers who log annually over 24,000 hours of manpower to build and support home builds, a year after year record of community impact.

Operating as a non-profit organization, Habitat not only builds homes, but also provides geared-to-income mortgage opportunities that help local families achieve affordable home ownership and build equity with every payment.

Did you know they also provide affordable essential repairs for existing homes owned by seniors, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities to ensure ongoing, safe accessible housing?

But that’s not all! The Windsor location also offers appliance pick-up, working or not. And if you are doing a complete kitchen reno at the same time, they will come and remove your old kitchen free of charge
and resell it at the Re-Store.

Metal from appliances which cannot be repaired is salvaged to support their metal salvage program. This diverted an amazing 558,541 pounds of metal from our garbage dumps in 2025!

Have any old electronics lying around? Then drop them off, divert them from landfills, and raise funds for local projects!

According to CEO Fiona Coughlin: “More Canadians are embracing thrifting not only as a smart financial choice, but as a sustainable one.

Every donation, purchase, and volunteer hour at the ReStore helps reduce waste while supporting affordable home ownership opportunities right here in Windsor Essex. It’s sustainability with purpose and
community impact you can see firsthand.”

The real value hits you the minute you walk through the doors — smiling, friendly faces and a store you want to explore.

On my last visit, Customer Service Representative Emma Caldwell-Dumouchelle guided me to some fantastic finds and explained about their one-time delivery fee for items going to the same address.
Before you go, check the ReStore hours online . . . and don’t forget to bring your measurements, imagination, and enthusiasm!

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Mel Lucier

Mel is more than a comic. She’s a fighter. She’s a teacher. She’s a force to be reckoned with in the world, arriving exactly when we need her most. Mel’s lived experience and sharp insight offer lessons we could all stand to learn. As of June 2026, her column brings a fresh take on everyday life and Windsor Essex businesses, services, and hidden joys. Let’s be real. We all need a laugh — and sometimes a good cry — to get through it all. If you’re ready for more of Mel’s wit, wisdom, and wonderfully sideways outlook on life, read her blog online and catch her Mel Knows… Kinda column in Biz X!