Ottawa ‘Insta book shop’ providing lifeline for Mississippi Mills animal sanctuary

Ottawa's first 'Insta book shop,' dedicated to supporting animals through the kindness of community, is thriving.

With thousands of pages from hundreds of books lining their driveway, Liz and Craig Wheeler opened the front yard of their Carlington home to the community on Saturday, June 12, for their second in-person book sale, as advertised on of Liz's Instagram account Secondhand Stories. 

“During the pandemic I had nothing else to do but read, so I read a lot of books,” said Wheeler. “I quickly ran out of shelf space and in order to purchase more books I had to somehow make room,” she chuckled as she glanced over to her husband Craig who was more than happy to encourage her to purge.

Last November Wheeler took to Instagram to create the account Secondhand Stories. In less than 30 days she sold out of her own personal supply and began getting messages from followers asking if they could donate their books to her. It was then Wheeler saw the potential to support a cause that’s very near and dear to her heart. 

“I felt weird accepting donated books and then selling them keeping the profits myself,” she said. “The Sweet Sanctuary is something that’s been really special to me, and I decided from then on that we would donate 100 per cent of the proceeds directly to them.”

Founded by married couple Sarah Hogg and Steven Jorens, the Sweet Sanctuary Animal Rescue in Mississippi Mills is a registered Canadian animal charity that cares and provides permanent housing for animals who are in need.

“My husband and I created the sanctuary because of our love of animals, and how we could help reach beyond our means,” said Hogg. “We first created a non-profit in 2018, and on February 26, 2020, we became a registered charity.”

After first visiting the sanctuary in 2019, the Wheelers became fast friends with Hogg and Jorens, as well as fast supporters of the sanctuary's residents, sponsoring both Pippa the pig and Ellen the chicken.

“They’re just such a humble couple,” said Liz Wheeler. “I’ve never met two people who are more caring and compassionate. They don’t ask for a lot, and they deserve everything.”  

Wheeler emphasized just how important the sanctuary’s work is, from everything to the specific feed each animal needs, to their individual medical care, the sanctuary tends to everything.

“They are so selfless, taking these animals in who have no other options,” said Wheeler. “They’re saving their lives.”

Like many businesses this past year, the Sweet Sanctuary Animal Rescue had to adjust to a virtual world during COVID-19, leaving them with little to no access for visitors or volunteers on the grounds. With their medical and feed funds impacted, initiatives like Secondhand Stories are providing some relief. 

“Liz has shed a new light on the Sanctuary,” said Hogg, “She is sharing our mission with her followers.”

That generosity and support continues to blow the Sweet Sanctuary away.

“We are beyond grateful,” said Hogg. 

It’s more than just the financial help that’s made a lasting impact on the sanctuary; it’s the newfound connections, the outreach, and the level of awareness being spread about the work they do. 

Hogg explained that while they’ve worked hard this past year to create more space, the sanctuary currently houses 40 animals and they’re running at full capacity. 

“Unfortunately, there are still a lot of animals in need of a place to go,” said Hogg. 

Lifelines like the one created by the Wheelers, through Secondhand Stories, can allow Hogg to start thinking about moving forward with larger facilities in the future. 

“We just love the sanctuary so much and I have all this time to give,” said Wheeler. “We sponsor Pippa and Ellen, but we only have so much we can do with our personal finances, so this is something we can take upon ourselves to do that only really costs us time.”

With donation spots at both the east and west end of the city, their collection of sellable books continues to grow each day. 

Wheeler explained each book sold through her Instagram account is gift wrapped, as she wants each purchase to feel like a new gift even though it's being thrifted. With sustainability in mind, Wheeler also detailed how they invest little-to-no money into Secondhand Stories. Nearly everything they use is also donated.

“We get everything second hand, even down to the tape,” she exclaimed. 

It’s with that generosity that fuels Wheelers drive to continue on. With the warmer weather and outdoor restrictions loosening they have no plans of stopping throughout the summer. 

Janine Trimble attended the first in-person sale and said she witnessed that generosity firsthand as the rain began to pour while she waited in line. 

“I watched the organizers jump into action to try to preserve the books,” she said. “Then seeing their neighbours rush over with tarps to help cover what they could, it was just so touching.” 

“Maybe it's because the pandemic has forced us all into our own bubbles, but seeing their little community come together really made me want to stay, that and the cookies,” said Trimble. 

Referring to the popular cookies made by Hogg's mother Jill, who donates her time and talent each week to bake 10 dozen delicious cookies which can be bought online through the sweet sanctuary’s website and delivered to locations in the city. All proceeds go directly to the sanctuary. 

Despite the sudden downpour Secondhand Stories’ first sale was a success, raising $1,274 for the sanctuary. Wheeler said she is still blown away at the generosity and support within her community. 

“When we first started, I think my goal was [raising] $500 [for the animal sanctuary] and we’ve raised $5,000 as of today!” Wheeler exclaimed. Their next goal is to hit $10,000 by the year’s end.

“It just goes to show that taking a bit of time every part of your week, volunteering for a cause you love, can have such huge results,” said Wheeler. 

Follow Secondhand Stories’ Instagram account for all updates on book sales and their latest literary finds. 

To learn more about the Sweet Sanctuary and how to donate, visit their website sweetsanctuary.ca.