by Sarah Selhi
Stuff, stuff, stuff. We all have it. Whether it's something you've been holding onto for many years (and never used it) or the new items that show up at your doorstep to satiate your online shopping appetite, more and more people are living under a pile of belongings.
So, it's no wonder that celebrities like Marie Kondo and Jane Veldhoven are taking up the art of decluttering.
Ironically, you might think that people are parting with their belongings and donating to a good home. Not so. Since the mania of decluttering and KonMari have taken place, storage companies are busier than ever. It seems that while people agree to clear space, they don't appear so keen to completely part with
these items either. What is it that keeps people holding onto these items?
Spring "cleaning" is upon us (and the warm weather soon we hope), and numerous organizations and charities need your unwanted clothing and household items.
DO NOT THROW STUFF IN THE TRASH.
By keeping the waste off landfills, you'll not only be helping others, but also the environment. Moreover, although I love the idea of people sharing space, I also support the idea of donating all of your worldly goods to others. For this reason, I'm posting a comprehensive list of places where you can make donations across the country.
Did I miss some places in your community?? Please let me know by commenting in the section below. I'll be sure to update the article.
Where to Donate in Toronto
Dress for Success
Location: 188 Lowther Avenue, 3rd Floor Boutique,
Website: www.dressforsuccess.org
Inquiries: worldwide@dressforsuccess.org
Phone: +1 416-901-6022
This organization has locations across Canada. It’s the ideal place to pass on your new and gently used professional outfits—think, modern suits, blazers, blouses, pants, skirts, dresses, and sweaters. Besides, work-appropriate accessories like shoes, jewelry, and briefcases are acceptable. This organization is bent at providing support, development tools and, clothing for women looking to enter or return to the workforce. Mostly, their clients are individuals preparing for job interviews. Therefore, it is essential that you ensure everything you're donating clean laundered and pressed, or dry cleaned.
Open time for donation: Tuesdays between 10 am and 4 pm
Availability of pick-up service: No
H&M
Location: Across Canada. www2.hm.com
Support line: 1 855 272-7007
ICYMI, your local H&M takes donations of used clothing, shoes and accessories. Amazingly, the contributions don't have to be from H&M necessarily! The company accepts donations from any brand. In a bid to divert tones of textiles from landfills, H&M gives recycling partners the cloths to sort. The recycling partner then determines which clothes are viable for resale or recycling the fibers to produce other new products
When to deliver your donation: During regular store hours
Availability of pick-up service: No
GLOW Clothing Bank
Location: New Circles, 161 Bartley Dr.
www.newcircles.ca
Inquiries: info@newcircles.ca
Call: 416-422-2591
Fax: 416-422-5946
GLOW gives out free clothes to people with low incomes. When considering to donate, think seasonal. During spring, they accept tees, dresses, skirts, light sweaters, sandals, sun hats, and scarfs. When winter comes, it's all about warm weather wear. This organization also runs special initiatives like teen shopping days and a prom boutique.
GLOW offers free extra clothes to needy patients at Mount Sinai Hospital's emergency ward.
When to deliver your donation: Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm; Thursday, 9 am to 7 pm
Availability of pick-up service: No
Double Take Store
Location: 310 Gerrard St. E.,
Website: www.ysm.ca
Email: doubletake@ysm.ca
Phone Call: 416-925-7198
Fax: 416-929-7204
This thrift store, is operated by the Yonge Street Mission and accepts used furniture, household items, and used clothing especially career-ready apparel. All the sales are used to fund the programs offered by the Mission in support of low-income families, seniors and those with physical and mental disabilities.
When to deliver your donations: Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm; Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 7 pm; Thursday to Friday, 10 am to 8 pm; and on Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm;
Availability of pick-up service: Yes!
For furniture or large quantities of donations contact,
Oasis Clothing Bank
Location: 60 Camforth Rd., or check the site to find the closest drop-off bin,
www.clothingbank.ca
Call Oasis Donation Center. 416-751-0553.
Check with their website to see what items they're accepting before you give your donation. However, they generally receive a wide array of also donations which include: clothing, shoes, beddings, kitchenware, stuffed animals, sports equipment, small electronics, the list is long. The donated items are presented to beneficiaries of Oasis Addiction Program or sold to fund the programs and services they offer
When to deliver your donations: Anytime in the various drop off bins
Availability of pick-up service: Yes!
In case you have bags of considerately used clothing, be sure to contact.
The Children's Book Bank
Location: 350 Berkeley Street (Gerrard Street & Parliament) Toronto, ON
www.childrensbookbank.com
info@childrensbookbank.com
Contact: 416-922-7323
The Children's Book Bank stocks free books and provides educational support to children from low-income communities across Toronto. It operates a storefront space where school and camp groups, families and their children can visit to listen to stories and choose a book to take home to keep. This organization collects gently used children's books from families, publishers, and retailers.
Diabetes Canada
www.diabetes.ca
Email: info@diabetes.ca
Call: 416.363.3373
Courtesy of your donations, Diabetes Canada, can invest $5 million annually towards diabetes research which helps children and families with type 1 diabetes to attend camp programs. This organization recycles 100 million lbs. Of textile and household items from landfills and also supports 11 million Canadians who live with diabetes.
Furniture Bank
www.furniturebank.org
Email: info@furniturebank.org
Call: 416.934.1229
The Furniture Bank is a non-profit organization that takes second-hand furniture and gives it to those transitioning from homelessness or displacement. With support from the community, Furniture Bank built homes for almost 11,000 people in 2016 while providing jobs to the unemployed.
Habitat for Human ReStore
www.habitat.ca
Email: habitat@habitat.ca
Call: 416-644-0988
Fax: 416-646-0574
Habitat for Human ReStore runs charitable retail stores. In these stores, the donations include new and gently used home furnishings, appliances and renovation materials.
Habitat for Human ReStore sells these items at a fraction of the cost of the original price. Donors can give things they no longer need and get charitable gift receipts.
The Salvation Army
www.salvationarmy.ca
Email: donate@tstores.ca
Phone: 416-425-2111
One of the world's largest social service providers, the Salvation Army helps vulnerable families and individuals in 400 communities across the country. Salvation Army Thrift Stores receive clothing, housewares, furniture, electronics, toys, media and books, accessories, antiques and collectibles, and computers.
St. John the Compassionate Mission
www.stjohnsmission.org
Email: info@stjohnsmission.org
Tel: 416-466-1357
Fax: 416-466-3517
St. John's Thrift Store has a unique operational style of reinvesting donations to the community. The store also acts as a location where community members can meet to exchange news and connect. Here, volunteers' help and donations are always welcome.
Value Village
www.valuevillage.com
Email: 2038@savers.com
Phone: 416 539-0585
Value Village repurposes thousands of millions of items annually. This organization accepts used goods on behalf of its non-profit partners. The thrift retailer purchases resell and recycles gently used clothing, accessories, and household goods, helping non-profit organizations by paying them for donated items. By purchasing the used items, Value Village helps the non-profits to acquire the much-needed funding to run their programs.
New Circles
www.newcircles.ca
Email: info@newcircles.ca
Call: 416-422-2591 Fax: 416-422-5946
The chief purpose of this charity is to provide necessities like clothes to the less fortunate. You can as well donate to their clothing bank GLOW. They also offer outfits to Mount Sinai Hospital.
Jessie's Centre
www.jessiescentre.org
Email: mail@jessiescentre.org
Contact: 416-365-1888
Jessie's Center helps young mothers and expectant by providing them with mother and baby necessities. The Centre mainly accepts donations like baby clothes, clothes for young women and maternity wear.
Kidney Foundation of Canada
www.kidneyclothes.ca
Phone: 1-800-414-3484
This foundation's Kidney Clothes program accepts your pre-worn clothes and raises funds to help the foundation help Canadians grappling with kidney diseases.
Dress for Success
www.toronto.dressforsuccess.org
Email: info@dressforsuccesstoronto.org
Phone: 416.901.6022
To empower women, you drop off your lightly worn clothes at their head office at 5150 Yonge Street. Dress for success is always looking for outfits that can help boost the confidence of women during job interviews.
Dress Your Best
www.dressyourbest.ca
Email: info@dressyourbest.ca
This organization prepares men for success by offering guidance on personal styling for job interviews. To help kick start a new career, be sure to donate clean and professional clothing.
Suits Me Fine
www.camh.ca
Email: suitsmefine@camh.ca
Phone: 416 535-8501
Help clients of CAMH by donating to their community store on their Queen Street site. Suits Me Fine provides different types of clothes at no cost. To see how you can make your donation, ensure you contact them.
Really Really Free Market
www.rrfmarket.blogspot.com
Email: rrfmarket@gmail.com
Just like its name suggests, everything here is free. This market at Campbell Park is open on the first Sunday of every month. On this day, you are allowed to browse for an hour as you acquire anything that suits your style. With such an initiative, getting rid of your stuff becomes easy and enjoyable.
Pegasus Community Project
www.dsotoronto.ca
Email: dsotr@surreyplace.on.ca
Phone: 416-691-6835
This charity provides support to adults who suffer from developmental disabilities. To support this initiative, you can drop off your clothes at their office on Kingston Road.
The Pegasus Thrift Store uses the sales made from the donations to support their beneficiaries.
Yonge Street Mission
www.ysm.ca
Email: info@ysm.ca
Phone: 416-929 -9614
If you have high-quality clothes that you no longer wear, YSM's thrift store Double-Take provides you an opportunity to relinquish them. Located at 310 Gerrard East, these items are re-sold at very affordable prices.
Parkdale Activity-Recreation Center
www.parc.on.ca
Email: info@parc.on.ca
Phone: (416) 537-2262
Fax: 416 537-4159
This recreational Centre is home to people struggling with poverty and mental health issues. The Community Centre is explicitly looking for large and X-Large sizes. The clothes you donate need to be clean.
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy
www.ofcp.ca
Call: 416 244-9686
Fax: 416 244-6543
If you have some used clothes that you no longer want, you can arrange with OFCP pick them up straight from your house for free. Additionally, you can donate items like coats, shoes, and the like at a donation bin near you.
Scott Mission
www.scottmission.com
Donation Line: 416-923-2400
Email: info@scottmission.com
To offer your donation to families in difficulty, you can send your gently used clothes to the mission during their open hours. Alternatively, you can have your donation picked up from your premises. However, you should note that it may take about one to two weeks for them to arrive.
Covenant House
www.covenanthouse.org
Email: info@covenanthouse.org
Phone: 416-598-4898
Located on Gerrard East, Covenant House only accepts used winter clothes. Therefore, if you have a warm coat that is not in use, be sure to call the organization to see if they need it.
Consignment Stores
www.consignmentcanada.com
Email: info@consignmentcanada.com
Phone: +1 604-980-1110
Do you have a brand-name treasure? Well, you can use it to make some extra bucks. By visiting one of the best consignment stores in Toronto, you can make some profit off your merchandise.
BC SPCA
www.spca.bc.ca
Email: abss@spca.bc.ca
Call: 604-681-7271
BC SPCA is a non-profit animal welfare society that enhances the quality of life for the farm, domestic and wild animals in B.C.
Location: You can drop off your donations at your local BC SPCA Thrift Store.
What you can donate:
- Housewares
- Items of furniture like chairs, sofas, tables, desks, lamps, and beds
- Electronic equipment
- Books
- Curtains
- China or Flatware
- Appliances
- Games
- Clothing
- Rugs
What you cannot donate:
Some stores do not take huge donations like appliances and furniture. Contact the store to know what they choose.
Savers
Locations: Niagara Falls. ON. Also, East Park Plaza, Windsor, ON, Canada
www.savers.com
Phone: +1 905-354-6336 or +1 604-501-2111
With a global presence, Savers Thrift Stores provide communities with a smart way to shop by recycling gently used clothes, accessories and household goods.
Location: Contact a store near you to learn the donation procedure.
Items allowed for donations:
1. Accessories like bags, socks, ties, hats, wallets, scarfs.
2. Clothing and Shoes.
3. Household electronics like radios, blenders, toasters, speakers, garden and work out equipment, and any toys.
4. Kitchenware like pans, utensils, pots, dishes, cups, and silverware.
5. Magazines, jewelry, books, and any home equipment.
Covenant House
Location: Donations can be delivered at 575 Drake Street Vancouver.
www.covenanthousetoronto.ca
Phone: 604-639-8937 or by
Email: acotton@covenanthousebc.org.
Covenant House is a charity organization that supports young people who have suffered physical, emotional or sexual abuse. Most of the beneficiaries have either willingly escaped the oppression or forced out of their homes.
What you can donate:
- Clean, age-appropriate clothing
- Unused and unopened hygiene supplies
- Foods that are not perishable
- Books and magazines
- MP3 and CD players, earphones and clock radios
- Boots with steel toes
- Household goods in stable working condition
- Gently used beddings
- Sleeping bags
- Art supplies
- Event tickets and outings
- What you cannot donate:
- Furniture
- Beds and Mattresses
- Used socks or underwear
- Open or perishable food items
- Open/used toiletry items
- High heeled shoes
- Perfume.
- Knick-knacks & artwork
Where to donate in Vancouver
Big Brothers Vancouver
www.bigbrothersvancouver.com
Email: bins@renewcrew.com
Phone: 604-526-2447
Big Brothers Vancouver works towards supporting the development of children and youth. It relies on mentorship programs which are led by volunteers.
Location: Find your local donation bin, or arrange a pick-up
What you can donate:
- Clothing
- Accessories, including belts, hats, and scarves
- Purses, wallets, backpacks, and bags
- Shoes and boots
- Towels, tablecloths, curtains, and linens
- Undergarments, nylons, and socks
- Blankets, bedding, and pillows
- Housewares, such as dishes, cutlery, and pots
- Toys, books, games
- Videos, records, CDs, and DVDs
- Small tools
- Small appliances
What you cannot donate:
- Furniture
Habitat for Humanity
www.habitat.org
Email: habitat@habitat.ca
Phone: 416-644-0988
In a bid to eradicate poverty, Habitat for Humanity enlists the help of community members and volunteers to build affordable houses.
Location: There are two ways to offer a donation. You can drop your donations off at a ReStore (Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Alternatively, you may schedule a pick-up using the online donation form.
- Furniture – both new and gently used
- Appliances
- Tools
- Bathroom
- Kitchens
- Building supplies
Downtown Eastside Women's Centre (DEWC)
www.dewc.ca
Email: centre@dewc.ca
Phone: 604.681.8480
DEWC provides necessities to children and women who are victims of addictions, poverty, homelessness, and violence.
Location: 302 Columbia Street, Vancouver on weekends between 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., or weekdays (excluding Wednesday) between 10 a.m. to noon.
What you can donate:
- Blankets and linens
- Towels
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene products (menstrual pads, incontinence supplies – Tena, Poise)
- Any brand of toiletries
- Socks, underwear, bras (new or gently used)
- Coats and rain gear
- Clothes for women
- Footwear
- Umbrellas
- Alcohol wipes
- Hand sanitizer pump dispensers
- Reading glasses
- DVDs, books, magazines
- Supplies for art and craft
Homestar Foundation
www.homestars.com
Contact: 1-855-569-0690
This Christian Humanitarian Organization has channeled efforts towards providing furnishings to homes of people in need.
Location: Pickup services are available from Vancouver, Burnaby (west of Royal Oak) to Richmond. To arrange for pick-up days & times, ensure that you make arrangements with the coordinator.
What you can donate:
- Night-tables & dressers
- Kitchen & dining room tables
- Chairs & sofas (no sofa beds)
- Armchairs
- Coffee tables
- Bookcases
- TV's & VCR/DVD players
- Desks (not office-size)
- Microwave ovens
- Telephones & lamps
- Rugs
- No items with glass
- Radios
Rape Relief & Women's Shelter
www.rapereliefshelter.bc.ca
Call 604 876 0872
Email info@rapereliefshelter.bc.ca
Rape Relief & Women's Shelter's main aim is to eradicate male violence against children and women. To support this noble cause, you can make donations to the organization.
Open from Monday to Friday 9.30-5.30.
What you can donate:
- Women underwear
- PJs
- Infant/ Children:
- Baby formula
- Baby wipes
- PJs
- Slippers
- Sunblock
- Baby soap and shampoo
- Household Items for the Transition House
- Tupperware
- Pillows (not feather)
- Hand towels, face cloths, bath mats
- Duvets and duvet covers
- Liquid hand soap (not bars of soap)
- Dish soap
- Ibuprofen
- Dishcloths and towels
- Single flat or fitted sheets white
- Laundry detergent (ideally low or no scent)
- Office Supplies and Miscellaneous
- Copier paper 8.5 x 11
- Paint, markers, button maker and supplies, labels, and others.
- Tickets to activities, local events, entertainment
- Transit passes – all zones
- Gift Cards and grocery cards
Covenant House Vancouver
www.covenanthousebc.org
Phone: 604-638-4438
Email: info@covenanthousebc.org
Covenant House Vancouver works with street youth by accepting donations of food, clothing, hygiene supplies and other items that can be beneficial to youth between the ages of 16 to 24.
Location: Donations can be dropped off 24 hours a day at 575 Drake St. and at their alleyway drive-up drop-off during certain hours.
Donations Needed: This organization has a high demand for soccer cleats and priority items like; sunscreen, water bottles, flip flops, and fans.
Donations Not Needed: The charity does not accept furniture, used socks or underwear, open or perishable food items, used toiletries, high-heeled shoes, perfume, Knick knacks, and artwork.
Downtown Eastside Women's Centre
www.dewc.ca
Email: centre@dewc.ca
Phone: 604.681.8480
The Downtown Eastside Women's Centre supports marginalized and vulnerable women. They accept donations that can help improve the situation of women. Among the approved items are clothes and selected household goods and toiletries.
Locations: Donations can be dropped off at 302 Columbia St. during weekdays except on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(Note: The DTES Women's Centre is strictly feminine. Men who would wish to deliver donations, are supposed to ring the doorbell to alert the staff.)
Donations Needed: The organization is always in need of incontinence supplies such as Tena or Poise, towels, rain gear, sanitary towels, toiletries, first-aid supplies, luggage or bags with wheels and winter clothing.
Donations Not Needed: Children's clothing and toys.
Union Gospel Mission
www.ugm.ca
Email: contact@ugm.ca
Phone: 604.253.3323
The Union Gospel Mission supports and provides access to community services to the homeless, the poor and recovering addicts. The UGM Thrift Store manages donations such as clothing and various items and distributes them for free to their guests. The thrift store also sells items at inexpensive prices to raise revenue to support the organization. Donation pick-up is available.
Location: Donations can be delivered to 671 East Hastings Street from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Donations Needed: Men's and women's clothing, shoes, linens, small household items, bicycles, and some furniture.
Donations Not Needed: Baby or children's items, bed frames and mattresses, large appliances and furniture, electronics older than ten years, ski or snowboard equipment, and unsold items from garage sales or church sales.
For more information, open hours and accepted donations, visit their website.
Big Brothers Vancouver
www.bigbrothersvancouver.com
Email: bins@renewcrew.com
Phone: 604-526-2447
Big Brothers receives donations and sells them to Value Village stores. The profits they generate go towards supporting Big Brothers programs. These programs include after-school mentorship outreach and volunteer recruitment and training. The organization accepts all sorts of clothing, accessories, shoes, household linens and bedding, housewares, toys, small appliances and more. Scheduled pick-ups are available by booking online.
Location: 221 – 15 Braid Street, New Westminster.
Open on Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. till 6 p.m. and on Saturdays, from Midday till 5 p.m.
Donations Needed: Anything that is suitable for resale and is in working order.
Donations Not Needed: Soiled or torn items, potential safety hazards, furniture.
For more information, open hours and accepted donations, check their website.
Vancouver General Hospital Thrift Store
www.vghthriftstore.ca
Email: vghthriftstore@shawbiz.ca
Phone: 604.876.3731
The VGH Thrift Store is a non-profit store that receives donations and resells them. The proceeds are used to cater to patient services, volunteer programs at Vancouver Coastal Health facilities.
Location: Donations can be made to the VGH Thrift Store at 2535 East Hastings St. (through the alleyway drop-off access), or the Centennial Pavilion ground floor hospital (access using hind service elevators) at 856 West 12th Ave.
Donations Needed: Men's, women's and children's clothing, accessories, some furniture, household items, books, ski equipment, linens, CDs and DVDs.
Donations Not Needed: computers, Mattresses or bed frames, futons, baby equipment, TVs, VCRs, VHS, and skates, microwaves, and items that require repair.
For more information, open hours and accepted donations, visit their website.
RAPS Thrift Stores (Richmond Animal Protection Society)
www.rapsbc.com
Call: (604) 244-7529
Email: info@rapsbc.com
.
The RAPS Thrift Stores management is under a group of volunteers whereby 100 percent of proceeds go towards their animal care facility. Items accepted include household items, clothing, furniture, jewelry, books, toys and more.
Location: There are two RAPS Thrift Stores located in Richmond;
1. at 8260 Granville Ave and 9040 Francis Road.
Open time is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except for Sunday when they open at noon. They also provide pick-up services for large items.
Donations Needed: Items suitable for resale, clean and not broken such as Household items, furniture, collectibles and antiques, small appliances, jewelry, toys and games, sporting equipment, books, videos and DVDs, and seasonal items
Donations Not Needed: Mattresses, large devices, old computers, non-functioning items.
For more information, open hours and accepted donations, check their website.
Wildlife Thrift Store
Located in downtown Vancouver,
www.wildlifethriftstore.com
Phone: 604 267-1102
Email: info@wildlifethriftstore.com
Wildlife Thrift Store was initially a charity for the Wildlife Rescue Association. However, it currently partakes its yields with The Gathering Place, Coast Mental Health, Vancouver Rape Relief, Positive Living B.C., and Women's Shelter.
Location: Vancouver's Granville Strip, at 1295 Granville Street. There is also drive-by drop-off spot on Drake Street, just off Granville Street at the foot of Granville Bridge.
Donations Needed: They accept all types of clothes, furniture, books and housewares which are in clean and good condition.
Donations Not Needed: Mattresses, box springs, printers or baby equipment.
For more information, open hours and accepted donations, visit their website.
B.C. SPCA Thrift Stores
www.spca.bc.ca
Email: info@spca.bc.ca
Phone: (604) 983-9522
The B.C. SPCA has several thrift stores in B.C. and another two in Vancouver. The proceeds generated from operating the stores go toward the B.C. SPCA organization for animal care.
Location: In the Lower Mainland, there are B.C. SPCA thrift stores located in Richmond, Surrey, North Vancouver and two in Vancouver. Each store may present different rules on drop-off and items accepted. Remember, B.C. SPCA shelters do not accept donations on behalf of the thrift stores (outlined further below).
Donations Needed: The stores accept housewares, china, and flatware, electronic equipment, clothing, games, and books. However, not all receive furniture and appliances. Check out your store of choice to learn more. For pick-up services, you'll have to make arrangements with the store you want to give your donation.
Donations Not Needed: Not all the stores accept large items such as furniture or appliances. Be sure to check before donating.
Still Fabulous Thrift Store (B.C. Women's Hospital/B.C. Children's Hospital)
www.stillfabulousthrift.com
Email: tillfabulousshop@gmail.com
Call: 604-566-9136
Volunteers of the Auxiliary-run fabulous thrift store to the B.C. Children's Hospital and Auxiliary to the B.C. Women's Hospital. The facility channels revenue towards patient support services, programs, and equipment for the two hospitals.
Location: There are two shop locations. However, they only accept donations at the Main Street store, located at 4355 Main St.
The stores take donations during regular business hours.
Donations Needed: The stores specialize in high-quality men's, women's and children's clothing and accessories.
YWCA Metro Vancouver Thrift Store
www.ywcavan.org
Email:blane@ywcavan.org
Phone. +1 604-675-9996
The YWCA Metro Vancouver Thrift Store runs programs and services that enable women and their families to access services that protect them from poverty and violence.
Location: The store is situated at 4399 Main St. near 28th Avenue in Vancouver.
The pick-up days are from Tuesday to Saturdays. They operate from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Sundays they operate from Noon to 5 p.m.
Donations Needed: The store accepts gently used clothing, books, and housewares. Book an appointment ahead of your visit to find out what they're currently taking.
Donations Not Needed: Huge furniture or electronics.
For more information, open hours and accepted donations, visit their website.
Seva Thrift Store
www.sevathrift.com
Email: SevaThrift@gmail.com
Phone: +1 778-293-0115
Seva Thrift Store deals in ethnic clothing and the proceeds are used to fund local community projects and organizations. Over the past, this store has helped Neonatal ICU at Surrey Memorial Hospital to acquire a $10,000 Bili blanket that enables the treatment of neonatal jaundice.
Location: The store is located at 9430 Scott Rd. in Surrey.
Open time: from Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on
From Friday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Donations needed: The items accepted include: ethnic clothing (stitched or unstitched), three-piece outfits (salwar/kameez/chunni), saris, shawls, and others. They also take western-style clothing for men, women, and children, accessories, home decor, housewares, household linens, small appliances, and gardening tools.
Donations Not Needed: The store does not take in large furniture, mattresses, televisions, large appliances, baby car seats, strollers or cribs.
Community Thrift Store (Surrey Fire Fighters' Charitable Society/Surrey Hospice Society)
www.surreyfirefighters.com
Email: info@iaff1271.org
Phone: (604) 599-9930
Community Thrift Store is an initiative run by Surrey Hospice Society and the Surrey Fire Fighters' Charitable Society.
Location: Donations can be made at the Community Thrift Store (7138 King George Blvd.) during operational hours or at any of the donation bins located at one of Surrey's staffed fire halls, which are:
• Hall 4 – 14586 108 Ave.
• Hall 6 – 9049 152 St.
• Hall 8 – 17572 57 Ave.
• Hall 9 – 14901 64 Ave.
• Hall 11 – 12863 60 Ave.
• Hall 13 – 15155 18 Ave.
• Hall 15 – 18915 64 Ave.
• Hall 17 – 15329 32 Ave.
• Hall 18 – 8091 164 St.
Donations Needed: Items accepted include proper condition clothing, books, DVDs, records, jewelry, shoes and accessories, vases, kitchen appliances, cookware, small ornaments, unused stationery Knick knacks, linens, and wrapping paper.
Donations Not Needed: microwaves, cribs, strollers, exercise equipment, Toys, baby high chairs, wired-in lights, televisions, computers, and furniture.
Developmental Disabilities Association
www.develop.bc.ca
Phone: 604-273-4332
Email: hello@develop.bc.ca
The donations received by the Developmental Disabilities Association are channeled towards supporting programs and services for more than 1,800 victims of developmental disabilities together with their families in Vancouver and Richmond. These programs are available to both youth and seniors. The beneficiaries of the DDA program receive support throughout their life.
Location: You can make your donation at the Donation Station (2643 No 5 Rd., Richmond)
Open from Monday to Friday. Time: 7.00 in the morning to 3:30 p.m.
Additionally, you can also donate at their head office (#100-3851 Shell Rd., Richmond) from Monday to Friday, 0830 to 1630h
For free pickups, be sure to make a schedule through their website.
Donations Needed: Clothes, table linens, towels, accessories (ties, hats, and belts), books, CDs, DVDs and records, bathing suits and undergarments, glassware, pans, sleeping bags, stationery supplies, small Appliances, sporting gear, toys, and games.
Donations Not Needed: Furniture, mattresses, batteries, chemicals, cleaning products, construction materials (wood, pipes, doors, tubs, and cabinets), swing sets, food, cribs, car seats, hazardous waste, large appliances, flammable products, automobile parts, television, computer accessories, weapons, firearms, and explosives.
Downtown Eastside Women's Centre
Location: 302 Columbia St., dewc.ca
www.dewc.ca
Email: engagement@dewc.ca
Call 604.681.8480
Donations Needed: This organization accepts clothes, winter gear, footwear, purses, suitcases, glasses, blankets, books, and art used supplies. All of the donations are used to cater for women seeking a safe place to stay.
Open days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 4:30 pm; Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 2 pm to 4:30 pm
Availability of pick-up service: No
Covenant House
www.covenanthouse.org
Email: info@covenanthouse.org
Call: 1 (800) 388-3888
Location: 575 Drake St., covenanthousebc.org
Donations Needed: The most in-demand items are hoodies, jackets, and jeans.
The Covenant House collects donations and provides them to the vulnerable youth of crisis programs.
Covenant House accepts donations at any time. However, be sure to call 604-639-8937 to ascertain if they are need of the items you want to donate
Availability of pick-up service: No
SPCA Thrift Store
www.spca.bc.ca
Email: info@spca.bc.ca
Phone: (604) 736-4136, (604) 321-8144

Location: There are different locations around the province, spca.bc.ca
Donations needed: This store accepts clothing, housewares, furniture, rugs, curtains, appliances, electronics, games, and books.
The stores take the donations to SPCA shelters.
Delivery time varies depending on the store you choose
Availability of pick-up service: Some locations provide pick-up service. Ensure to check with your area of choice to determine whether they offer the pick-up service.
Miscellany Finds
www.miscellanyfinds.ca
Email: info@miscellanyfinds.ca
Call: 604-215-9970
Location: 2615 East Hastings St.; 1029 Commercial Drive, miscellanyfinds.ca
Donations Needed: This store accepts everything ranging from basics and vintage clothing to designer labels, housewares, shoes, jewelry, accessories, and books. The earnings are for running the Vancouver Rape Relief & Women's Shelter social programs that empower youth and women.
Open from Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, from 12 p.m. till 5 p.m.
Availability of pick-up service: No
Atira Women's Resource Society
Location: 201-190 Alexander St., atira.bc.ca
www.atira.bc.ca
Email: donations@atira.bc.ca
Call: +1 604-331-1407
Donations Needed: The items that are always on demand include children's and ladies' clothing, pajamas, bedding, winter pieces, baby items, towels, toys, and household items. All donations are used to support women in the shelter who suffer from substance abuse, mental illness, violence, and homelessness.
Availability of pick-up service: No
Where to Donate Clothes in Edmonton
Hope Bargain Shoppe
Location: 2403 Ellwood Dr. SW.
www.thespiritedthrifter.com
Email:info@thespiritedthrifter.com
Call: +1 780-485-6888
Donations Needed: Donate clothing and footwear for men, women, and children, along with books, games, music, housewares, jewelry and vintage collectibles. The donations from this shop are used to fund Hope Mission which provides elemental and emergency care to the homelessness.
Open from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm
Availability of pick-up service: No
Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS)
Location: 9310 82 Avenue, yess.org
www.yess.org
Email: reception@yess.org
Call: +1 780-468-7070
Donations Needed: Basics items are always on demand. These include hoodies, workout clothing, pajama bottoms, backpacks and shoes in all sizes. Be sure to also check the urgent needs list for kids who have enlisted for the long-term residential program. The residential program provides youth with shelter, counseling, legal assistance, and housing advice. All the donations are used to support the programs run by the organization.
Open time: Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
Availability of pick-up service: No
Bissell Centre
Location: 10527 96 St., bissellcentre.org
www.bissellcentre.org
Email: reception@bissellcentre.org
Phone: 780.423.2285
Donations Needed: Bissell Centre accepts new and gently used clothing, accessories and household items. The contributions are used to stock the organization's Community and Family Closet, which gives free clothing to the needy. The donations also stock the Thrift Shoppe, which allows customers to purchase affordable clothing and household goods.
When to donate: Bissel Centre Thrift Shoppe, 8818-118 Ave., Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 4:30 pm; South Side, 5120-122 St., Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm.
The wing at Bissel Centre Downtown, 10527-96th St. is opened from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Availability of pick-up service: No
Where to Donate Clothes in Calgary
Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre
Location: 3640 11A St. NE
www.calgarydropin.ca
Contact: (403) 266–3600
Email: info@calgarydropin.ca
Donations Needed: This organization receives donations of clothing, household items, computers, cell phones, and books. The donations are used to stock a free ‘store' which is open to the less fortunate. They distribute up to 100,000 pieces of clothing annually.
Open time: from 8 am to 4 pm daily.
Availability of pick-up service: No
WINS Women in Need Society
Location: 128-1220 28th St. NE, womeninneed.net
www.womeninneed.net
Email:dispatch@womeninneed.net
Call: (403) 252-3826
Donations Needed: This organization accepts gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, home décor, sporting equipment and furniture which are used to stock their five thrift stores. The income from the thrift shops is used to support the Free Goods Referral Program and four Family Resource Centers.
Open from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 4:30 pm
Availability of pick-up service: Yes! Call to book.
My Best Friend's Closet
Location: 6516 1A Street SW, makingchangesassociation.ca
www.mybestfriendscloset.biz
Email: info@mybestfriendcloset.biz
Contact: (701) 212-1567
Donations Needed: This Calgary based organization helps women to make transitions in their style. More to that, they also accept donations of anything teens' stuff, such as leggings, athletic wear, skirts, jeans, sweaters, sneakers, and all-season coats. The received items go to My Best Friend's Closet, a resource for teenage girls mostly from low-income homes. Teens enjoy a one-on-one consultation for 90-minutes with a volunteer image stylist. There is also peer support plus a selection of free stylish clothing and accessories to suit their school and recreational needs. (There's also another program dubbed The Walk-In Closet, which provides outfits to women looking to re-join the workforce.)
Open every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 10 am to 4 pm, and some Saturdays, from 10 am to 4 pm
Availability of pick-up service: No
Where to Donate Clothes in Saskatoon
Community Living
www.communitylivingmo.org
Email:info@communitylivingmo.org
Call: 1-877-477-2171 or (636) 970-2800
Location: Visit their shop at 108-103rd St. E. or look out for the numerous bright yellow bins around the province. Check their website for the closest area to you, theyellowbin.com
Donations Needed: If you are looking to clean out more than just your outfits, this is the ideal place to donate. At Community Living, you can present clothing, shoes, linens, books, dishes, toys and games. However, large appliances like furniture and tech are unacceptable. Sales from the donations are used to support people with intellectual disabilities and their families. The help rendered by the organization may be in the form of rent, groceries, finding jobs or social activities
Open daily anytime!
Availability of pick-up service: Yes, or fill out the online form and to make arrangements for pick up time
YWCA Opportunity Shop
Location: 511 First Ave. N., ywcasaskatoon.com
www.ywcasaskatoon.com
Call: +1 306-242-8002
Email:info@ywcasaskatoon.com
Donations Needed: Items like gently used quality clothing are accepted and sold at this shop to both the clients of the YWCA and the public. The money raised is channeled towards running programs aimed at helping women and families to fight poverty, homelessness, and violence.
The best time to donate is from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 3 pm.
Availability of pick-up service: No
CWL Clothing Depot
Location: 619-20th St. W. rcdos.ca
www.friendshipinn.ca
Phone: +1 306-242-5042
Email:info@friendshipinn.ca
Donations Needed: CWL clothing depot accepts all kinds of clothing and household items. The donations require to be in good shape as they are for reselling. The revenue is then used to support local charities.
They are open for donations on Monday to Friday from 9 am till 3:30 pm
Availability of pick-up service: Call to schedule a pickup
Where to Donate Clothes in Winnipeg
The Clothes Closet
www.swfic.org
Email: registrar@swfic.org
Contact: 204.284.9311
Location: Fort Garry United Church, 800 Point Road, Lower Level, swfic.org
Donations Needed: The Clothes Closet accepts clean work wear.
Clads for interviews are of high demand in Canada. The donation includes suits, jackets, pants, blouses, skirts, shoes, coats, and accessories. The organization also accepts plus size outfits. Your donation will help women who have left abusive relationships to prepare for interviews or those joining job training. The Clothes Closet is a reputable organization as it serves clients from over 65 partnering agencies within Winnipeg.
Open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm
Availability of pick-up service: No
The Up Shoppe
www.upshoppe.ca
Phone: +1 204-582-3494
Email: upshoppe@newscentre.org
Location: 382 Selkirk Ave., upshoppe.ca
Donations Needed: The Up Shoppe takes clothing and accessories for women, men, and children and also bedding and small household items. In a partnership with the North End Women's Centre, this boutique sells donated items to raise money for needy women which enables them to provide employment and job training.
Open from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm
Availability of pick-up service: No
Siloam Mission
www.siloam.ca
Email:info@siloam.ca
Phone: +1 204-956-4344
Location: 309 Logan Ave., siloam.ca
Donations Needed: The best items to donate to this mission are outerwear, jeans, and hoodies. Visit their website for updates of what they need.
Open from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 7:30 pm, and Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Availability of pick-up service: No
Where to Donate Clothes in Ottawa
St. Vincent de Paul
Location: 1273 Wellington St. W. and 1620 Merivale Rd., thrift-store.ca
www.ssvp.ca
Tel: (613) 837-4363
Email: national@ssvp.ca
Donations Needed: The two thrift stores are open to members of the public to purchase items cheaply. Families in need also get free clothing and furnishings. The most acceptable donations are those of clothing, toys, furniture, and household goods. The proceeds from the sale of items are used to run local community programs
You can drop off anytime in the collection bins located across the city or at the thrift stores (Monday to Wednesday, 9 am to 5:30 pm; Thursday to Friday, 9 am to 8 pm; Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm). Alternatively, you can schedule a pick up for larger pieces
Availability of pick-up service: Yes, for larger items like furniture and beds.
Carty House
www.cartyhouse.org
Email: office@cartyhouse.org
Phone: 613 236 8855
Donations Needed: This organization provides shelter for female refugees and provides them with learning opportunities, counseling, and other support services. They receive donations like clothing, bedding, appliances, towels, cleaning supplies and all kinds of household items. It is essential that all the donations to be in proper condition as they will be used to uplift the status of the beneficiaries.
Availability of pick-up service: No
Clothesline (across Canada)
www.diabetes.ca
Phone Contact, 1-800-505-5525
Location: Across Canada. Find the drop box nearest to you on their website.
Donations needed: Clothesline enjoys a great relationship with Value Village. All the donations are sold to raise money for diabetes research, support programs and funding D-Camps for kids. These organizations accept a wide variety of donations which include clothing, small appliances, fitness items, toys, kitchenware, home décor, luggage, and tools.
Open at 24/7
Pick-up service is available.
Where to Donate Clothes in Montreal
Le Support
Location: Blue donation boxes are located all over the city.
www.lesupport.ca
Email: info@lesupport.ca
Contact: 514-725-9797
Le Support accepts a wide array of items except for furniture. They then resell the collection to Value Village, brokers abroad and second-hand stores. They use the income towards supporting people with intellectual disability by giving them house aid, equipment and funding their activities.
Open at any time. Pick-up service is available
Renaissance
Location: Visit renaissancequebec.ca to find a thrift store or drop box location
www.renaissancequebec.ca
Email: information@renaissancequebec.ca
Phone: 514-276-3626
Donations Needed: This organization accepts any kind of donation apart from furniture. The items are distributed across their Thrift stores network and sold cheaply. The revenue is used to fund training programs in the community.
Open during thrift store hours, or anytime at drop boxes
Availability of pick-up service: No
Sun Youth
Location: 4251 St. Urbain St.
www.sunyouthorg.com
Email:bvt@sunyouthorg.com
Phone: 514.842.5241
Donations Needed: Sun Youth accepts clothing, essential household items, and small electrical appliances. These items are available to local teens and their families very cheaply.
Open every day between 8 am and 9 pm
Availability of pick-up service: No
Where to Donate Clothes in Moncton
Boutique Encore
www.maison-nazareth.org
Phone: (905) 497-2765
Email:info@encorethroftstore.ca
Location: House of Nazareth, 14 Clark St.
Donations Needed: This boutique accepts gently used clothing, furniture and small household items which are channeled to the organization's short-term and emergency shelter or offered to other organizations. One of the organizations that benefit from these donations is New Brunswick Multicultural Council, helps refugees find a settlement in the locality.
The shelter is open 24/7. No of pick-up service availability:
Where to Donate Clothes in St. John's
St. John's Women's Centre Clothing Boutique
www.sjwomenscentre.ca
Email:reception@sjwomenscentre.ca
Phone: (709) 753-0220
Location: 170 Cashin Ave., margueritesplace.ca
Donations Needed: Items accepted here are used to support women who earn a meager income or who lack shelter and victims of violence. These vulnerable groups of women can book a monthly appointment where they pick outfits that suit their style. The donations required are seasonal especially sizes large, x-large and for plus-sizes.
Call to make arrangements to donate.
Availability of pick-up service: No
Previously Loved Clothes and Things
Location: 351 Kenmount Rd., epilepsynl.com
www.epilepsynl.com
Email: info@epilepsynl.com
Phone: +1 709-753-7283, 709-722-5571
Donations Needed: This thrift shop accepts all kinds of clothing, outerwear, shoes, household items, small appliances, furniture, toys, sporting equipment, and seasonal decorations. The donated items are re-sold through the thrift shop, and all the proceeds are plowed back into the community to run programs supported by Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador.
When the store is open between Mondays to Sunday, 9:30 am to 9:30 pm
Availability of pick-up service: Yes!
Call to schedule pick-up time.
Where to Donate Clothes in Halifax
The Brunswick Street Mission
Location: 2107 Brunswick St.
www.brunswickstreetmission.org
Email:bsm1@eastlink.ca
Phone: 902 423 4605
Donations Needed: This mission accepts used clothes and shoes for all age groups, small household items, recent magazines, and books.
Open from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 2 pm
Availability of pick-up service: No
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax
Location: All over Halifax. Visit their website to get their pick-up locations.
www.halifax.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Email: halifax@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Call: (902) 466-5437 or 902-454-4025
Donations Needed: This charity accepts used clothes, shoes, accessories and household textiles (like bedding, blankets, and drapes).
Sales realized from the donations are used to fund youth mentoring programs run by the charity.
Open at any time. You can drop your donation in any of the yellow and purple bins across the city, or schedule a pickup
Availability of pick-up service: Yes! Call to arrange a pick-up.
Where to Donate Clothes in Charlottetown
First Impressions
Location: 180 Brackley Point Rd.
www.firstimpressionsmd.org
Email: info@firstimpressionsenterprises.org
Phone: 301-684-8854
Donations Needed: First Impressions needs you considerately used professional and casual clothing, shoes, accessories, and handbags. This charity supports women who are attending interviews, going back to school and fleeing violent situations at home. The donated items are put up for re-sold for $5 at their shop or given for free to the needy in local schools and nursing homes.
Open from Monday to Thursday, from 6 pm to 8 pm, and Sunday, from 12 pm to 2 pm
Availability of pick-up service: No