You'll see them a little more now that they're on Main Street, as Moose Jaw Pride hosted the grand opening of the Rainbow Retro Thrift Shop Thursday.

The grand-opening celebrated the move into a new 2000 square foot facility with new offices and a space for anyone looking to spend some time with others and be themselves. It's a far cry from their original office that only gave them around 100 square feet. It was hard not to jump at the opportunity, as MJ Pride was selected by Mitsu Cafe to receive a community grant, where they would give that space out rent-free for a year to a deserving organization.

"It's been months in the making," said Joe Wickenhauser, Executive Director of MJ Pride. "We were looking at different spaces where we could have a drop in space and maybe a little store and then this offer came up from Mitsu Cafe and we were really blown away when they chose us to be here."

Thrift Shop was not only made for new office space, but also for cheap clothing to help those transitioning to Moose Jaw and it helps fund MJ Pride.

For the safe space, it contains a small kitchenette, a projector, couches, and a workspace for anyone who maybe doesn't have a chance to feel like themselves.

"The youth in the community will now have a space where they can feel safe. It's a big thing," said Kelly Carty, Vice Chair of the MJ Pride Board. "Someone like me, I don't often feel unsafe, but there's a lot of people in our community that frequently feel unsafe, scared and alone. It's my hope that this is going to be their safe space."

You might have noticed Rainbow Retro earlier than the grand-opening. They had their soft open earlier and already saw people interested in coming by the store. Wickenhauser said they had both residents and tourists stopping in to see what it's about.

The opening ceremony had over 50 people turn out and filled up the hallway and the store to celebrate the move. The Moose Jaw Fire Department and Police Services both arrived to celebrate the move, along with many other dignitaries who regularly support MJ Pride. They had refreshments and even a rainbow unicorn cake to celebrate. 

The new facility is right on Main Street and in the heart of downtown Moose Jaw, offering more exposure to tourists and local residents alike. The store will help to provide some revenue to support their program but also offer jobs and training. The drop in space is open Thursdays from 2 to 7 pm and you can learn more about Rainbow Retro Thrift Shop online.

June is Pride month but Moose Jaw Pride will also be holding their pride celebration July 22nd to the 28th.