by Working Gear | Oct 30, 2019
We had the opportunity to meet Jessica L. Jimmo, exiting Board Member. She has been an essential anchor to Working Gear’s advisory team. Jessica has been a volunteer for almost a decade. For an organization conceived just 12 years ago the numbers alone speak to her dedication and belief in the simple but mighty mission of Working Gear.
Today, few of us remember how heavily hit North America was by the Great Recession of 2008-09. What began as a response to the collapse of the United State’s real estate market also tore apart our British Columbia workforce. There was a sharp increase in unemployment from 4.6% in 2007 to 7.7% just one year later in 2008 [link Via https://www.statista.com/statistics/569373/unemployment-rate-british-columbia-canada/] and so many men and women lost their livelihood.
Recovery although consistent has only now returned to its pre-crisis rate. But the business world has changed. Employers are economical which forever shifted the work environment.
Graphic from https://www.statista.com
Jessica L. Jimmo knows how Working Gear has struggled to normalize and provide a sense of trust. When a candidate is given the tools that polish their look, cautious employers simply feel reassured. That’s an important but hard to measure benefit that endears the community, both clients and partner associations to Working Gear.
Jessica L. Jimmo reflects on her years with Working Gear.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH WORKING GEAR AS A VOLUNTEER & BOARD MEMBER?
Nine years, 6 months, give or take.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO HELP THIS CAUSE?
I was motivated by people, the people we were serving and the people sitting around the board table. I was in awe of the resilience and good-will of the people who came through the Working Gear doors. I was inspired by the dedication, compassion and integrity of the group of people who had been drawn together around Working Gear.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION?
It’s how a simple act could have an immediate impact. I was drawn to the idea that a pair of boots could be given a second life and create an opportunity for someone who is ready to step on a job site and work towards financial stability.
WHAT IS THE TRUE IMPACT OF WORKING GEAR IN THE COMMUNITY?
All of what Working Gear is now was born out of the simple idea that all someone who was ready to work needed was a pair of boots to confidently walk on a job site and ask for the job they were qualified to do.
It’s not about giving someone a fish or teaching them to fish, it was and always will be about giving them the fishing rod they needed to be successful. It’s about showing people dignity and giving them the tools to be able to reach for the opportunity.
AND LASTLY, AS THE OUTGOING BOARD MEMBER WHAT ADVICE OR MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO GIVE TO THE CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS AND/OR THE NEW BOARD MEMBERS?
That sometimes you need to go slow to go fast. Big change happens through a series of smaller steps.
In 2009 British Columbia needed the commitment of volunteers like Jessica L. Jimmo to bring Working Gear clients to a place where like the last recession, the darker days can be forgotten.
This is how YOU can make a lasting difference. Volunteerism, donations and spreading awareness. Jessica L. Jimmo’s legacy ensures that these small acts can be intelligently leveraged by Working Gear. If you are curious about how this is achieved we encourage you to learn more. [link: https://workinggear.ca/blog/5-reasons-you-know-your-donation-is-in-the-right-hands/]
“Working Gear is not complicated. We operate on very little. Our administrative team is small and our rent is negotiated to be very competitive. By carefully managing our administration costs any donations, whether financial or in-kind, go directly toward our services.”
by Working Gear | Sep 21, 2019
“There is no perfect time to give back…” says Alyssa Patuel from Indochino. “At Indochino we give away all the garments that we cannot sell anymore. We don’t want them to end up in landfills.”
We sat down with Alyssa from Indochino, who invited us to their Vancouver headquarters. We got the opportunity to chat about how they got involved with Working Gear, and also about their initiative to discard garments in a sustainable manner.
Working Gear is grateful to the many corporate partners who help our organization serve 1,000 clients per year.
How did Indochino get involved with Working Gear?
We had a deep need for donating the garments that we couldn’t resell as a company, and we wanted to make sure that these garments found a good home. At the same time, we wanted to find a local non-profit that aligned with Indochino’s corporate mission to inspire confidence. So when we found out about Working Gear aim to provide individuals with the clothes they need to get back on their feet, forming a partnership made perfect sense.
What do you do as Operation Specialist at Indochino?
One of the roles of the Operations team is to make sure end-of-life of product is taken into account, which is why donating garments is so important. If we were to discard the garments, we’d want to make sure they are discarded sustainably. Fortunately we don’t need discard the garments, we donate everything. It’s a huge initiative for the company and for my team.
So we know you donate a lot of garments, but you also you encourage other people working at Indochino to volunteer. How did this initiative start?
When I initially got involved with Working Gear, I wanted to find out what the organization needed and how they could potentially grow.
To raise funds, we donated a custom suit for their auction at their annual Gear to Give fundraising gala. We also had an office sample sale to raise additional funds.
They also needed personnel resources. We have great people working at Indochino, and there was interest from the team in getting involved with the community. We set up a volunteer session for Indochino employees to help suit up Working Gear clients. The turnout was great so I made posters to call for even more volunteers. I started going more regularly and people joined me. “Indochino Night” is now a monthly event.
I feel like it has changed my life to get out on the community more and I think it has made a difference in the colleagues who joined me. I definitely recommend it as a workplace initiative.
Since you’ve been volunteering, what do you think about Working Gear?
Working Gear creates a safe space for people who are not far from being on the streets. The heart and soul of that is Sarah who runs the organization. Through its referral program, they provide clothing to people who wouldn’t necessarily have the resources to find the right clothing to get a job.
Working Gear transforms the life of people when they put on a suit or when they find the gear they need to go to that job. I feel so fortunate myself, I can’t imagine the feeling of not feeling adequate, and I think wearing the right clothing provides a whole new level of confidence for people. There have been a couple of instances when we give guys clothing and they say: “this is so amazing; you just don’t know what this means for me”. They are so thankful. It’s not easy to take charity. I feel so privileged to be in a position to be able to give back.
What would you say to others who could join as sponsors or volunteers?
Sometimes people wait for the right opportunity to give back, but there is no perfect opportunity. Anything you can do at any time makes a difference.
We’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to Alyssa for reaching out to us. For putting in the volunteer hours every week and for encouraging her team to do so as well. You are a valuable member of our community.
Also, we’d like to extend our gratitude to Indochino for their continued support over the years.
Working Gear is always in search of like-minded companies to develop partnerships with. For more information on how you can get involved contact us at info@workinggear.ca.
by Working Gear | Jul 17, 2019
We had the opportunity to meet Maria Juana Aristizabal, one of the volunteers at Working Gear. Maria regularly volunteers at our shop and helped organize this year’s Gear to Give gala. This year’s event raised $48,000.
How long have you been involved with Working Gear?
I have been a volunteer and part of the fundraising committee for six months.
What motivates you to help this cause?
I have been very fortunate and haven’t experienced any significant setbacks in my life, so it makes sense to me to help others. This cause in particular spoke to me because it’s about giving people opportunities, something I have been given many times in my life and therefore I know how important they can be in setting you in the right trajectory. This cause also seemed like something relatively simple that could make a big impact on someone’s life.
How much of an impact do you see Working Gear is making in the community?
As a volunteer, I have seen men and women from all walks of life light up with new clothing that helps them get a job. It’s not only a practical tool but a vote of confidence in themselves. I have been given many hugs from our clients who are so glad a place like ours exists – a place where they feel welcomed, pampered and cared for.
What can you tell potential donors or partners about this organization? How will their donations contribute to your cause?
We need relatively little to make a huge difference. Many of us see clothes as disposable and we take it for granted that we can go and buy more when we need to. But many people can’t, and what is really sad is that this prevents them from being able to work. If people knew the stories of those we help and the difference it makes, I am convinced that everyone would be happy to contribute.
Special thanks to Maria Juana Aristizabal for sharing her story with us.
Working Gear is always looking for motivated individuals interested in volunteering with us. For more information about how to get involved, please email us.
WHY SHOULD YOU VOLUNTEER WITH WORKING GEAR?
- Opportunity to get involved and make a direct impact on lives in your community
- Establish long lasting relationships with people from diverse backgrounds working towards a common cause
- Help us continue to empower hundreds on their path to financial independence
Photo by: Maxine Bulloch
by Working Gear | Jun 6, 2019
Our program has shown growth and success this last 12 years. With the addition of our partner organizations, our ability to turn a box full of donations into suits for job interviews, office-appropriate clothing or specialized worksite gear has surprised even us. The synergy is a beautiful thing.
This is why our annual fundraiser #GEARtoGive is such an important event. We get the opportunity to celebrate the community coming together for a common goal. Our cash sponsors, auction donors, volunteers, and ticket holders for one night get to share stories and remember why bringing the smallest privileges to those scaling up the ladder of life feels insatiably good.
Our Sponsors make Working Gear possible
In the spirit of celebration help us call out of our cherished cash sponsors to offer deep gratitude.
Norton Rose Fulbright Law brings their business principles of quality, unity, and integrity to a global serving of the industries that affect everyone’s livelihood. Healthcare, finance, Infrastructure and more. We are so pleased to have their support.
Our sponsors, like Leaders International help us provide the essential donations and resources we need to thrive.
It is no surprise that Neighbourhood Holdings has offered its support. They are in the business of supporting people with all they need toward their first mortgage. Enriching life is a shared common purpose.
Sponsors like Cleantech Service Group Ltd. operates locally and throughout British Columbia to managers of properties. Providing peace of mind is their specialty. We appreciate the peace they have awarded us.
Sequoia’s Mergers & Acquisitions is focused on getting the best deal for your business just as we look to get the best experience for our clients with their support.
Bold Construction‘s passion and adding their strength to invigorate communities is why we believe they are worthy additions to any project.
______
And we will never forget the partnerships, in-kind donations and power of volunteerism that drives our spirit and makes us proud to be a part of Working Gear.
Nude Vodka Soda
Stanley Park Brewery
Donations are about compassion for our collective community nobly driving humanity forward. We endeavor to make life for our clients better and these groups show us that they care about what we do and respect how we do it.
Thank you.
by Working Gear | May 28, 2019
Hello Summer!
As we move from our rain-filled days in British Columbia’s beautiful coastal rainforest, we look forward to the good weather ahead. With each season change, we welcome a different climate and these changes bring the opportunity for more and new WORK!
Have you heard the old joke in Vancouver?
“We have FOUR seasons here….Fall, Winter, Spring and CONSTRUCTION.“
The rise in temperatures allows more outside projects, meaning a greater need for Working Gear. As the temporary labour market scrambles to find Men & Women for development and renovation projects, the demand for our services is even higher.
Working Gear Has Answered The Call-To-Work for a Decade
Wherever our clients are destined to end up, Working Gear is dedicated to providing the essential first steps. Our own story is an inspiration to teamwork and workplace attentions. Throughout the years, Working Gear has been able to add additional service. We currently are able to offer haircuts, interview clothes, construction gear, and of course, work boots. Here is our Story:
2007 The Vision
Working Gear opened its doors with the vision of Founder Stephen Flynn.
“To relieve poverty by providing interview clothing and/or industry appropriate clothing to low income or unemployed Men in search of employment.”
2007-2010 The Call
“More than 50 percent of the people working in British Columbia are living paycheque to paycheque” “In Metro Vancouver, between 2007 and 2014, the increase in … expenses overall were 18%, while the median income of two-parent, two-child families only increased by 10%,” – vancouversun.com
Unemployment rates in BC dropped from 7.7% ( 2009) to 4.6% (2018). We answered this opportunity levelling the field for lower-income families.
Working Gear found partners in organizations locally and internationally.
2010 The Answer
From Chinatown, Working Gear helped over 730 men in just 3 years.
That summer, with the help of a Community Grant from Vancity the “No Small Feet” Campaign, was created with a Goal of 400 boot donations.
Media took up the cause supporting the campaign with mentions by:
GobalTV, CBC Early Edition, The Bill Good Show CKNW 980, Miss604, Indpt. Reporters.
2012 Community Support Grew
Media Supports partners broadcast our message: Boot drive over boot drive.
CBC Early Edition, Global TV, Global BC are regular supporters.
2016 The Era Of Fundraisers
On June 29th – Working Gear hosted it’s inaugural #GearToGive fundraiser at Bull Housser.
2017 The Setback
A Leaky roof collapsed: Working Gear was forced to move and recover a loss of donations.
2018 Community to the rescue
Working Gear moved to the Downtown East Side (DTES).
Community Supporters hosted fundraisers. Supporters like:
Vancouver Facial Hair Club, Tonia Jurbin & BC Hydro, Whisky Wisemen.
Volunteers Awareness Campaign – Volunteers distribute 400 high visibility Vests to Homeless
We answered WorkBC’s call out that 14 800 jobs posted in the region. Our New Goal: to help 1000+ men return to the workforce in 2018!
2019 Working Gear Today, Your Story Begins here.
We know there are increasingly more women in the trades
We have seen a 50% increase in the number of clients served this year alone.
SUCCESS – We have provided for 1,000 clients in 2018. On a given busy day, 10 – 12 clients requiring five or six volunteers.
We have 28 Booking Agencies booking in motivated men and women.
ON JUNE 6th: Our 4th Annual Fundraiser: Goal $100 000 to expand reach help 1000+ man and women return to the workforce.
Can you imagine yourself here?
Our doors are open 3 days: 2 hr/ day.
Together we can give unemployment the boot!
These are just a few of the SUPPORTERS, INNOVATORs, PARTNERS we couldn’t exist without.
PROMOSA
GATEWAY CASINOS
RICE HARBUTT ELLIOT
LAWSON LUNDELL
WORK SAFE BC
STERN PARTNERS
PWC
by Working Gear | Apr 24, 2019
It’s well documented that as we get older we look back on life and consider the things we did. We measure it not based on the things we had but the people we came in contact with. We are hard-wired to remember things connected to humans. Perhaps it is because our ancestors relied on others to survive and prosper.
On the surface, modern society does not value the community as it once did. But this is not the entire story. When we offer assistance, we feel a sense of worth. Sometimes it just takes an opportunity to give which allows us to enrich our own lives by helping others.
“I’m reminded that no matter how hard we try, nothing we do is in a vacuum.”
― Mike McIntyre, The Kindness of Strangers
Congratulations on making the decision, or at least considering to offer kindness to a stranger. We give you permission to brag it up and celebrate it. We certainly do. We believe you have found the right place. Here is why Working Gear is the right choice for your donation.
Not a handout, but a hand up
Working Gear is a very special organization. It takes discarded clothing, skills of volunteers, and donated dollars and turns them into life tools. We provide hard to come by, high-quality clothing and footwear essential for attaining and holding work to the men who desperately need it.
Our clients are motivated to make a new start. No matter what life circumstance caused them to fall down or why they are under-employed, we believe in their ability to take what we can offer and run with it. Our success stats may be anecdotal, but very compelling.
The thing which is so rewarding about Working Gear is our volunteers and partner organizations are very motivated to give our clients everything they will need for continued success.
Clients receive our volunteers’ empathy and skilled advice along with their clothing. Styling, hair cuts, and personal stories are all valued tools to launch their success. Clients get more than a suit, it’s a suit fashionably styled. It’s not a work shirt, it’s whatever they need for several days of work. It’s not a handout, we are providing a helping hand up for people referred to us who are ready to change their lives.
Our Clients Stories
Due to the nature of our work, our donors will likely never meet the people whose lives they change. We let you see them through the words of our volunteers and partners. We have many stories to tell, and many volunteers eager to share them.
We once helped “three young Syrian men, who recently arrived in Canada and secured jobs in ironworking. There they were. [ I remember ] He was trying to find something in a 3XL for the youngest, who towers over us at an impressive 6’8″… He was ecstatic when we found him a few things to fit his frame, including a brand new pair of size 14 Stompers Raindance boots.” – Viberg Boots, Partner Company
More at https://workinggear.ca/blog/were-giving-unemployment-the-boot-with-help-from-our-friends-at-workboot-com/
“Many of us share a similar circumstance to the men who look to Working Gear for help. A couple missed paycheques, one hard setback; that’s all it took for the majority of the gentlemen we met with that day, to put them in an uphill battle.” – Lani Brunn, Volunteer coordinator & Board of Directors
More at https://workinggear.ca/blog/people-that-are-ready-for-a-life-change-get-to-have-their-chance/
Clothing holds a powerful connection. One of our volunteers who was collecting boot donations shared this story: “I met an engineer who was seconded to us. As I got to know him I learned that he lost his father, also an engineer and his infant son within about a year of each other. He had his dad’s boots that were almost new and he just couldn’t part with those boots until he met me, what a legacy to his father.” – Tonia Jurbin, Volunteer
More at https://workinggear.ca/blog/meet-working-gears-tonia-jurbin-volunteer-stories/
Your donations go directly to our clients
There are many great organizations, we do not deny this for a moment. Each has its place and goes about their offering in different ways. For some of these organizations, the path to helping is complicated.
Working Gear is not complicated. We operate on very little. Our administrative team is small and our rent is negotiated to be very competitive. By carefully managing our administration costs any donations, whether financial or in-kind, go directly toward our services.
Of course, from time to time we get a donation which doesn’t work for us. Although they are clothing, not all our donations are suited for our clients. But nothing goes to waste. If a local organization cannot accept the donation we have partner programs who ship such clothing to third world countries. This is something we are very proud of but rarely talk about.
Success By Referral
One of the most powerful facts about Working Gear is we want to help our clients make real, impactful changes. At the best of times, improving a life situation is difficult. We are proud to have a part in those first difficult steps.
Our clients are chosen not by us but by one of our referring agencies. The agencies know our clients and believe they are ready to re-enter the workforce. Clients come to us because they have shown a desire to succeed and we are ready to help.
We only accept clients referred to us from our approved agency list. Anyone can apply to be a referring agent and to do this is free process. This allows us to grow with the needs of the community.
See our about page for a list of the agencies we work with.
12 Years Strong
Wow, twelve years. It’s hard to imagine that we have been helping men in the community for this number of years. It is also a testament to the fact our business model is sustainable.
In the past 12 years, much has happened. We are firmly integrated into the community and have a network of support systems. Our referring agencies send us those who have a genuine opportunity to move their lives forward. They have a need which fits our ability to help.
Best yet, 12 years means we have a rich history and on more than one occasion a client who has come to us looking for an entry-level job has come back to provide us with insight, to volunteers, or to announce their progression to a higher paying position. It is very satisfying. We are fiercely proud of our part in their success your part in helping us make this happen.
A Final Word
Donations keep the doors open here, they keep our services free, and they support over a thousand men a year. As you consider your donation, know we are more than happy to answer your questions. Here are a few important links:
Are you ready to donate?
Or perhaps you’d like to start with Working Gear’s Annual Fundraiser – Gear to Give. It will be held on June 6th at the Vancouver Club. Click here for more information.
by Working Gear | Apr 10, 2019
Interview with Lani Brunn- Volunteer coordinator & Board of Directors
We had the opportunity to visit the Working Gear shop on a busy Wednesday evening. It was the first time that we visited the shop and we had a very pleasant experience chatting with some of the staff and volunteers.
Working Gear is an organization where work-ready men that lack the appropriate attire can get what they need free of cost. Working Gear Clothing Society is managed and ran by volunteers with no government funding. We interviewed Lani Bruun, who’s been a volunteer for 11 years and counting. Lani coordinates volunteers & campaigns, and she is also part of the Board of Directors.
What motivates you to volunteer at Working Gear?
For me, it’s the simplicity of our mission, it’s the fact that there this organization provides services to people who are back on their feet, who are ready for a second chance. If they don’t have the trade’s gear, if they don’t have the right interview clothes they don’t get the job. You can’t even walk into a construction site without having the steel toed boots. I almost think of it as a hinge in the door. It’s a very small piece but without it, the door does not open.
For me, the motivation is the fact that we are volunteer driven, it’s people donations, it’s really the community caring for their community.
Can you tell us a story about your time here that has stay with you?
It’s funny cause I am not in the shop as much anymore. I, probably for the first 7 years that I volunteered, I was in the shop every month. Mostly a lot of the stuff I do now is governance and support for the organization. One story that has always stayed with me is one when there was an old fellow that came one day, when I was volunteering. And he used to be a businessman, he used to have a really great life, he had a house, he had a job, he had nice clothes, but everything fell apart. He lost his way. He was an alcoholic, he ended up losing his job, he ended up losing his family. He basically lived really rough for about 10 years. When he came in that night, it was me and Stephen volunteering. We suited him up with this gorgeous suit cause he was ready, he was just ready. And he had done so much to be ready, it was his time. And he looked really good. But Stephen was like, no no no, it’s not right yet. So Stephen went and found this amazing dress jacket, with the little flaps and then he found this gorgeous expensive men’s scarf. And as soon as this fellow put it on, I watched him stand up straight, his shoulders went back. I often thought about how when he put this coat on, it felt like he was putting on dignity. And it felt like he knew he was back to he was.
How much of an impact Working Gear is making in the community?
I think we are making an impact in the community that is not huge, but it’s necessary. There are places that have tables stacked with donated clothes that people rifle through. But they don’t often find the right things, they don’t find the things that fit or they are not appropriate for an interview or for a job. I think that at Working Gear, because what’s happening here in the back, we are sorting all the clothes, we are making sure that it’s the right stuff, that they are clean. But it’s the right stuff and we make sure it’s the right people get it. The impact in the community is that people that are ready for that life change, they get to have it, they get to have their chance. Where often people wouldn’t given them a chance because they didn’t have the right interview clothes.
What can you tell potential donors about the organization, how would their money contribute the cause?
Our expenses are low, so basically for 3 or 4 grand a month, everything runs. I think it ends up costing us about 25 dollars for each person, that comes through the door. We can do all that we do for very little, there is not a lot of organizations that can say that. Also, we don’t feed funding. It’s so needed but this isn’t an area you can find funding for. And so it really needs to be the community coming together and supporting. And that’s what we find. Our donors are usually people that want to give someone a second chance. They want to give to a place where is going to make a huge difference. This money we receive goes to keep our doors open, we pay our rent, we buy steel toed boots (which are expensive) we make sure we have the right gear here.
We want to thank Lani for her time and we’d love for you to join us for an evening of entertainment, networking, food, and drinks on June 6th at our Working Gear’s annual fundraising event – Gear to Give. All to benefit the economic empowerment of unemployed or underemployed men and women.
by Working Gear | Mar 27, 2019
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Stephen Flynn, founder of Working Gear. He talked to us about the impact that Working Gear is making in the community and why it’s important for the organization to continue to receive the support it has until today…
Tell us your name and what you do here at Working Gear:
My name is Stephen Flynn, I am the person who started Working Gear 12 years ago and I’m a volunteer in the shop. I like to come here on Wednesday nights and I like to help a variety of guys get clothes and work gear so that they can get ready to go back to work.
What motivated you to found this organization?
Well when we started Working Gear 12 years ago, there wasn’t any kind of service in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland to assist men going for job interviews or onto a worksite with clothing or gear supports. There was a service like that for women called “Dress for Success” – which is fantastic organization but it didn’t provide services for men.
How much growth have you seen in the last 12 years?
Well it’s been a busy 12 years and Working Gear has been open two or three days a week for almost all of this time. We’ve seen tremendous growth; not only in terms of the size of our shop and the amount of clothing and gear that we provide to men (and now increasingly to women in the trades) but also in terms of the numbers of people we serve. At the current time, we feel that we probably provide services to about 1,000 clients a year. And on a night like tonight, it’s a busy night. We’ve got 10 – 12 clients and five or six volunteers helping them get haircuts, interview clothes and construction gear, especially work boots.
Can you tell us a story that has stayed with you in these last 12 years?
Well there are a number of clients that we’ve had come in to the shop, and these fellows have become volunteers in the shop as well. These are people that we kind of know the best, and have a really good, maybe the best, appreciation for because we’ve gotten to know them over a longer period of time. They might come in once a year, we might see them every couple of years, or they might be repeat clients over the years. And in 12 years, you know they are older, the kinds of jobs they are looking for are different but they are still really challenged to be able to afford nice looking interview clothes or trade appropriate construction gear. These kinds of things are very expensive. And for men who are living in poverty, who don’t have the best paying jobs to begin with, these kinds of support are very important.
How much impact do you see Working Gear is making in the community?
Well that’s a good question. We’re just starting to get better at tracking our statistics. But we know that we do have an impact and that the services we provide are really needed. We know that by working with our partner agencies, the employment service organizations, as well as anecdotally from stories we hear from the men and women coming into our shop that the impact that we have is critical. What we are trying to do is provide accessible clothing and gear supports for our clients to be able to return to work as quickly as possible. We are low barrier, don’t have a lot of paperwork and don’t create barriers for them to get back into the workplace. We want them to have the clothes they need to be able to get out and to find a job.
What can you tell potential donors or partners about this organization? How will their money/ donations contribute to your cause?
Well that’s a good question. Since day one Working Gear has relied upon the kindness of strangers and donors. Most of our clothing and gear is donated, although we do purchase some items such as rain gear and steel toe boots, which is part of the reason why financial donations are so important as well. We feel that, you know, we are not providing handouts to people, we are providing a helping hand up for people that are determined and ready to work. And the donations that they make help keep the doors open here, they keep our services free, and they support not only hundreds but over a thousand men a year who come in and use our services. So those kind of contributions are very important to us, and any donations that are made, whether financial or in-kind, go directly towards our services.
We invite everyone to join us at Working Gear’s Annual Fundraiser – Gear to Give held on June 6th at the Vancouver Club. Click here for more information.
by Working Gear | Oct 11, 2018
B.C.’s restaurant industry is growing rapidly and Vancouver is becoming a leader in the culinary world. But the high demand for dining out is contributing to a serious labor shortage in the industry. More and more clients are being referred to Working Gear in search of culinary clothing and footwear to start their culinary career journey. Working Gear is in desperate need of culinary donations to help match this need in our community.
Working Gear is accepting both new and gently used kitchen apparel and footwear.
Donations can be dropped off at Working Gear’s shop at 520 Powell Street, during the hours of 6 pm and 8 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 am and noon on Saturdays.
Please email info@workinggear.ca for more information
