Here are 4 Ways to Get Involved:
Individual item donations
Item pick up and packing
Monthly Client drop off
Financial Donations and Corporate Sponsorship
Individual Item Donations
Interested in donating new or gently used items on occasion? Every 6ish weeks we will post the needs/wish list of our current client. You can receive email notifications of this (email us at thefreshstartproject@hotmail.com to be added to our distribution list) or join The Fresh Start Project Facebook page where we will provide details of when each project is happening, how to sign up to donate items and where & when to drop them off, as well as sharing updates on the families we have helped.
Item Pick up and Packing
Our approach at The Fresh Start Project is about making the transition process feel as good as possible. One of the steps to creating the positive feeling is how the items donated are received by our clients. Our goal is to ensure that all items we provide are clean, well-packed and labelled in moving boxes listing the room they are for and what items are inside. Items are usually packed 24 hours before drop off to our client. If you enjoy organizing and have a knack for wrapping things with love, this would be a great role for you! Please email us at thefreshstartproject@hotmail.com if you would like to be part of the packing team or if you are able to occasionally pick up items that may be available on Freecycle or from someone in our community.
Client Drop Off
After all items have been collected and packed, one drop off is made to the client. Ideally this is two or three volunteers, packing their cars/vans and together, dropping off to the client at the same time. All locations are local. To date, this process from packing your car at point “A” to unpacking the boxes to the client at point “B”, is 90 minutes of time. Depending on the client, we try to confirm ahead of time if they’d appreciate help unpacking and organizing their new home, or if they prefer to do it independently. If this is something you are interested in helping with this month or on a regular basis please email us at thefreshstartproject@hotmail.com
Sponsorship Options
Not only do we count on our wonderful members for donations, we also rely on our sponsors. Sponsorship with The Fresh Start Project can be done in one of two ways.
Financial Sponsorship
Whether it’s a one-time donation or a set amount each month, we want you to know that 100% of your donation goes to supporting the families that we help. From gift card purchases to most needed hard-to-find items, funds fully support purchases to better help our families and give them the fresh start they deserve.
In-Kind Donation
Have a product that you think will help our families? We want to work with you to provide these much needed items to our families. Please reach out to us (hyperlink this to Fresh Start email address) with your company introduction. Product examples include non perishable foods, chocolate, feminine hygiene, kids shoes, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and more
In return for your financial or in-kind donations we will promote your company to our over 2000 members across all 5 of our chapters. Your logo is shared on our site and posted on the social media channels of each chapter. We are also willing to discuss a group code for future purchases made by our members. You can bet our members will know about your generous donation!
Please contact us to discuss your involvement with The Fresh Start Project. Without your help, what we do wouldn’t be the same. thefreshstartproject@hotmail.com
Have Bikes to Donate?
https://www.thefreshstartprojectontario.com/refurbished-bike
Have Furniture to Donate?
The Fresh Start Project does not handle furniture, however the following organizations may be able to take your furniture donations:
Safetynet in Oakville- They accept used furniture, clothing, and household items, and give to refugees, and others in need. There is a $50 pick up fee to cover costs of a truck and movers, and they can issue tax receipts.
https://www.safetynetservices.ca/
Other options include: Mississauga Furniture Bank or Habitat Halton-Mississauga.
Additional Donating Information
Need to find a place for donated items outside of our clients needs? Please consider one of these worthy giving organizations for your donated items.