Downtown store keeps “Christ” in Christmas

Story and video: Andrew Santos
For Ted and Sandra Hickey, their downtown Oshawa business means more to them than just what they sell.
Instead, having their doors open to all Oshawa citizens, despite what their Catholic or non-Catholic needs may be is at the forefront of their ministry.
For the past 25 years, the Hickeys have owned and operated Cherub’s Cupboard, a religious gifts and bookstore located at 82 Centre St. N.

Their business initially started out as a dream by the late Toronto auxillary bishop Robert Clune, who was looking for a Catholic books and gifts store that would service the needs of Catholics and others in Durham Region.
Cherub’s Cupboard currently serves churches, schools, businesses and students throughout downtown Oshawa, Durham Region and the Archdiocese of Toronto with books, gifts, statues, rosaries, CDs and much more. Both the Hickeys and Anne Young, an employee, agree on one thing.
“There’s a lot of faith in Oshawa,” they said.
However, it’s no secret that businesses in downtown Oshawa, including Cherub’s Cupboard, have suffered financially, as a result of the economic downturn.
However, business has remained steady despite a slow summer. When not behind the counter, the Hickeys share their items with customers at trade shows and conventions.
What the Hickey’s believe makes their store stand out from all others in the area is the welcoming customer service that each visitor gets. Cherub’s Cupboard offers free delivery to customers as far from Toronto to Peterborough.
“We need to service our communities,” Hickey said. “We try to support our churches and don’t overcharge people.”
Keeping with the festive spirit, Cherub’s Cupboard will be sharing cookies and Christmas cakes with their customers in the week leading up to Christmas.
As the Hickeys get closer to celebrating the festive season, they hope that everyone will keep their meaning of Christmas at the centre of gatherings and celebrations.
“Everyone is wished a Merry Christmas here, not happy holidays and Seasons greetings,” Sandra Hickey concluded.