REGINA -- The Habitat for Humanity Regina ReStore is asking for more donations after donated appliances that were being stored in an outdoor area were damaged during a storm last week.

According to Habitat for Humanity Regina, the ReStore’s exterior signage was also damaged during the storm.

“There were quite a few of appliances that were dragged a good number of metres from the backyard to the middle of the parking lot. Like stoves and things like that,” Habitat for Humanity Regina ReStore Operations Manager Gui de Souza Rocha said.

Smaller items like pieces of siding blew away from the store. The ReStore was closed the morning after the storm, but opened again for the afternoon, as staff worked to cleanup damaged items found outside.

“Big items that I never expected will be as far from the point we let them to there,” de Souza Rocha said.

The ReStore has also been impacted by the increased operating costs caused by the pandemic.

The majority of the items that were damaged in the storm were either taken inside for repairs or thrown out, but now the ReStore is looking for more items.

“Appliances, flooring, kitchen cabinets, building supplies, drywall, plywood, gently used furniture. Especially the appliances last week were damaged, and that’s our bread and butter,” Habitat for Humanity Regina’s Director of Resources Heather MacKenzie said.

A lot of the ReStore’s donations are left in the backyard until they go through a proper COVID-19 wipe down protocol and are chosen to be brought inside.

“We learned from last week and we’ve opened up the back bay, and are bringing those items inside so they can be protected going forward,” MacKenzie said.

MacKenzie said the shop does have a repair man, so appliances that aren’t working can also be donated.

Donations can be dropped off at 1740 Broder St. Monday to Saturday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. or free curbside pick up can be arranged.