Perpetual Bazaar, the nonprofit consignment store in Brampton, is yet again in jeopardy of closing down on account of a funding shortfall.

Over the years, increasing utility rates, rent and the cost of living has created financial challenges for the store, says Jane Hamilton, vice-president of Perpetual Bazaar’s board of directors.

“We’re doing the best we can to raise funds and are looking to the community for help,” said Hamilton.

She says the store has set up a goal of $100,000 for the next five years, which should carry Perpetual Bazaar over for the next five years while “downtown is going to be ripped up” as the City of Brampton moves forward with its Downtown Reimagined Initiative.

Hamilton established a GoFundMe page with the hope of raising $3,500 this year. As of Monday, June 18, the campaign has raised only $125.

On Thursday, June 21, Perpetual Bazaar will also be holding a fundraiser and open house at the store, located at 111 Main St. N., from 5 to 8 p.m.

Established in 1974, Perpetual Bazaar was created by a women’s church group to showcase handcrafted items such as quilts, slippers, hats, scarves and mittens. Over time, the store expanded its product line to include jewelry, wall art and household items.

Hamilton says the store is run entirely by volunteers, mostly seniors and people with disabilities. The average age of the store’s volunteers is 80, she adds.

Over the years, the store has faced a number of financial challenges. In 2105, the City of Brampton gave Perpetual Bazaar a one-time grant of $7,000. In 2106, an anonymous donor donated $35,000.

In 2017, the store received another anonymous $4,000 grant. Perpetual Bazaar also moved to its present location at 111 Main St. N., from 21 Queen St. W.