by Working Gear | Dec 19, 2019
One of the most inspiring and beautiful things of walking through the doors of Working Gear’s shop, is to arrive and be greeted by the wonderful volunteers. We’d like to take time during this holiday season to give them all a shout out, for being the awesome human beings that they are. Sharing their time and energy with the staff and clientele of Working Gear. Working Gear is primarily volunteer ran, without our lovely volunteers we simply would not be able to survive.
We had the opportunity to talk to the lovely Paul Gouldhawke, a volunteer who is always smiling, ready to help. Thank you Paul for taking the time to speak to us about your time volunteering at Working Gear. Here’s what he had to say about the organization.
Paul, How did you hear about Working Gear?
About three years ago I came across Working Gear while searching the Internet.
How long have you been involved in the organization?
Almost three years. After working gear helped me obtain some construction gear, I volunteered. I was very impressed by the care and assistance the volunteers provided to their clients.
What is your favourite thing about the organization?
I think what I appreciate the most is the real difference Working Gear can make in someone’s life, often it is difficult to obtain all the gear or clothes when one is trying to return to work. We provide both construction and retail career outfits such as suits and shoes.
What motivates you to volunteer your time in the shop?
I’ve volunteered in the past for other causes and I recognize the need for an organization like Working Gear. The volunteer staff are very friendly and they do make a real effort to assist clients in obtaining needed clothing.
Can you share a special moment that you had while volunteering? or a story that has stayed with you?
We recently had a client new to Canada who volunteered with us after obtaining some interview clothing. He looked great in the suit he received and got the job the next day. This success is very motivating for our staff and organization.
How much of an impact do you see working gear is making in the community?
I think we make quite a difference in the lives of clients. It’s rewarding to see them find outfits and gear that will help them obtain work.
What can you tell potential donors about this organization?
We put donations to good use benefiting others. Our shop is well organized and it provides a unique service as the only organization of its type in Vancouver.
How will their money contribute to your cause?
Monetary donations are used to purchase items that are most needed. Not all items required are donated, we do purchase items such as rain gear and gloves.
So donors can rest assured their money will be used carefully and fully appreciated.
Special thanks to Paul Gouldhawke for sharing his 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 contact our volunteer coordinator at info@workinggear.ca
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.
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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.
