About Argus

At Argus, we offer 24/7 homelesness prevention and shelter diversion services to youth in crisis anywhere within the Waterloo Region. In addition to our food, shelter and constant staff support, we also offer a voluntary life-skills acquisition program whose main goal is to mobilize young people experiencing homelessness towards a healthy and viable re-integration into their community.

Administrative Contact

(519) 650-0452

1 (877) 818-0388

Uptown Thrift

A Self-Sustaining Social Enterprise that Creates Youth Employment

Previously-Loved & Upcycled Goods

Uptown Thrift is a charity thrift store operated by Argus Residence for Young People that sells quality, previously-loved, refurbished, repurposed and Upcycled goods.

Here at Uptown Thrift, you’ll find clothing, furniture, household items, books and much more! 100% of sale proceeds are used to create youth employment!

We would not be here today without our generous donors from our community. Support Uptown Thrift today by donating used clothing, furniture, household items and previously-loved belongings. 

We accept donations from Monday – Saturday between the hours of 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at 742 King Street East, in Cambridge’s Preston Towne Centre. If you have any questions, give us a call at (519) 650-1241.

What Kinds of Items Do We Sell?

All Donations are of Good Quality or Revitalized into Goods You’ll Love

Uptown Thrift is an eco-fashion thrift store operated by Argus. You’ll find previously-loved eco-fashion clothing, furniture, household items and more. We continuously accept donations of good quality clothing, household items, tools, home decor, electronics and more. We do not accept sports or baby equipment, TVs or antique TV stands.

When you shop or donate to Uptown Thrift, you can feel great knowing that you are not only saving the environment; you are creating a job and supporting a future for a young person in need.

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How did you hear about us?

Employment Training

In collaboration with the Government of Canada, Argus offers paid job skills training to youth, between the ages of 15-30.

Argus provides 30 hours of paid employment training per week, over three months. For 22 hours of the week, participants are provided with hands on experience at our store, Uptown Thrift. For 8 hours of the week, participants are enrolled in professional development workshops. If you are interested, please call 226-338-9966 for an interview! We recruit four time per year.

Are you between the ages of 15-30?

Are you a recent graduate and looking to improve job skills to get into the job market? Have you been out of work and are looking to get back into a job that compliments your creative abilities? Do you have a creative mind and want to learn how to channel that creativity? Do you want to make an impact on Social Media? Have you had an interest in online marketing platforms? Please see below!

As a participant, you will learn important skills to help you succeed in today’s job market – all while earning a wage. Eligible candidates will receive 30 hours of comprehensive employment training per week, compensated at $14.35 per hour, over three months starting October 11, 2021, developing skills such as Social Media Marketing, Ad campaigns, Goal Setting, Developing a Dynamic Resume, Communication, Problem Solving, Decision Making and Self Awareness all while being paid for your time. You will then have an opportunity to test these skills in an Eco-friendly retail store where you will learn how to properly advertise items on Social Media and other forms of online commerce. You will learn marketing, merchandising, customer service , branding and more! It’s a great opportunity! Eligible candidates will also earn a $750 completion bonus!

The program consists of hours online on a ZOOM platform, so access to the internet is required, and the balance of the time in person at our retail store. All PPE will be provided for your safety.

If you answer yes to the following questions, you should apply today!

  • Are you interested in securing full time employment or maybe you have considered returning to school?
  • Are you serious about new job skills?
  • Would you like to test these skills in a fun and friendly retail store and learn more about customer service, social media marketing, merchandising, ad campaigns…all while being paid for your time?
  • Are you eager and available to work 30 daytime hours per week (does include Saturday hours), compensated at $14.35 per hour for 3 months?
  • Are you eligible to work in Canada?

Argus is offering a job training program, which helps overcome barriers to employment and develop a broad range of skills and knowledge in order to participate in the current and future labour market.

If this awesome opportunity is for you, we have a position available starting the week of October 11, 2021. In person interviews will take place the week of October 4th, candidates will be contacted by phone immediately.

Argus is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage qualified applicants to apply and will accommodate the needs of qualified applicants under the Human Rights Code in all parts of the hiring process.

Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact LeeAnne King at (519) 650-0452 to make a request for an alternative.

Contract length: 12 weeks
Application deadline: 2021-10-08
Expected start date: 2021-10-11
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Salary: $14.35 per hour

Must be eligible to work in Canada and not be under a Student Work Visa.
Cannot be attending full-time school.
Candidates cannot have current employment
Must be in, or close to, Waterloo Region to participate in any hands-on training required.