The Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) is calling on animal allies for support after a single-vehicle accident Saturday resulted in extensive damage to one of the organization’s two thrift stores.
No one was hurt inside the Francis Road store, but items went flying when the car drove through the wall.
“Thankfully, there were no casualties as a result of the accident,” said Eyal Lichtmann, RAPS’ CEO.
“The extensive damage inside could have caused a fatality, but luckily no one was in that specific aisle of the store at the time.
“However, the store is now closed while structural engineers assess the damage and repairs are made.”
The closure comes on the heels of a multiple-day closure caused by road paving in the area.
“The combined impacts of these two events is a huge challenge for our ability to save and improve the lives of animals,” said Karen Kamachi, RAPS’ thrift store manager.
“We depend on the revenue from our two stores to fund our work in saving animals and helping the public. So many families also depend on our stores for accessible, affordable clothing, furnishing and housewares.”
Lichtmann and Kamachi are asking the public for support in making up for the losses suffered by the thrift store closures.
Donations are accepted Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at both locations: 8260 Granville Avenue and 9040 Francis Road, in Richmond. Donations are welcomed online at rapsbc.com.
