Winnipeg shop a hub of opportunity for people with disabilities

The Scrap Came Back Upcycled Gift Store and Artist Workspace opened its doors on Wednesday, with the dual purpose of selling unique gifts and employing and training people with disabilities.

The shop is run by DASCH (Direct Action in Support of Community Homes), a group that provides support for people with disabilities. It provides training and a paycheque for the artists.

And Scrap Came Back isn’t just a store and training ground, it’s also an art studio.

The majority of the shop’s profits also go to a good cause. The cash will help Project: Home, another DASCH initiative, purchase wheelchair-accessible homes for people moving out of provincial institutions and into the community.

To see this happening and looking at some of the work, I mean, you check your ego at the door and just bathe in the love of this- Fred Penner

“I love DASCH. Personally, I’ve got four amazing roommates,” said Karen Lehr, who works at the shop and recently made a birdhouse that’s now for sale.

The shop is filled with everything from painted shovels, ceramic art pieces, old-fashioned wooden children’s toys and photos made from parquet flooring.  

Fred Penner was on hand for the opening of the shop on Wednesday. The name of the store is partly inspired by one of his famous songs, The Cat Came Back.

“To see this happening and looking at some of the work, I mean, you check your ego at the door and just bathe in the love of this,” said Penner.