Pioneer Salvage Sales support projects that improve lives in our communities

Summertime is a great time to scope out local garage sales. But did you know that just past the edge of Regina’s Warehouse District is one of the city’s longest ongoing garage sales?

Since 1995, the SaskTel Pioneer Salvage Sales in Regina has sold used SaskTel computers and electronics that are no longer needed by the company and have been donated for resale. When purchases are made, the proceeds are then used by the Pioneers to support valuable projects that improve the quality of life in our communities.

Those working at Salvage Sales have become experts on the market values of the variety of items sold in the warehouse. Jolene Norleen, a SaskTel retiree and longtime Pioneer, can be often found zipping around and finding items for customers. For her, volunteering at the Regina Salvage office has been a way to stay active and make new connections in the community.

“Salvage Sales is about team work”, said Jolene. “We see the value of giving back to the community. Most of our volunteer staff are retired and it provides a social environment and opportunity to learn new technical things that we may not get at home.”

In 2017, Salvage Sales helped to net over $176,000 for Pioneer activities – their highest number yet. So how do SaskTel items make their way to the Pioneers? When computers have reached the end of their useful lifespan at SaskTel due to technological changes or necessary upgrades, they are collected from each department where they are forwarded to the Pioneers for further sorting.

There is the odd desk or office chair available, but due to the limited space available at the Regina warehouse, SaskTel has shifted to donating excess office furniture and other supplies through other channels. While sometimes the computers and electronics they receive are somewhat outdated, most items do end up being sold. For items that cannot find a home, some are recycled while others are donated to non-profit agencies in the community.

For instance, the North Central Family Centre and Regina Seniors Centre have hosted computer labs using excess hardware.  Also, when Pioneer Salvage Sales has an abundance of computers, they will transfer some of them to Computers for Schools, another SaskTel Pioneer project located at the same location.

“Our clientele includes students, businesses for their own use and reselling, non-profits, families, collectors, technical geeks, newcomers, and of course our own SaskTel employees and retirees,” said Jolene.

Whether you know a student heading to university in need of a laptop or need some extra power bars for use at home, there’s a good chance that you will find what you need.

A portion of the proceeds realized by Regina Sales and Salvage is shared with other Pioneer clubs throughout the province who also operate smaller salvage sales operations in their districts.

In Regina, you can see all current ads on UsedRegina, but with an ever-changing inventory you may wish to stop by the salvage office at 2106 1st Avenue (entrance at back of building) to see the latest stock. And if you’re in the market right now, the Regina location is running a Summer Sale with all desktops, laptops and iPads on sale for $50 off until September 28, 2018.