The first question I was asked when I joined the Habitat for Humanity Huronia / ReStore family (quite the mouthful!), was, what is a ReStore.
ReStores are building supply stores run by Habitat for Humanity affiliates that accept and resell quality new and used building materials and other items. Shopping at a ReStore is a socially conscious decision, as funds generated are used to fund Habitat homebuilding projects. As well, shopping at a ReStore is also an environmentally conscious decision, as much of what is sold at ReStores is product that is new, gently used or customer returns that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
From humble beginnings in Winnipeg, Manitoba, when five volunteers created the ReStore concept and opened the first store in 1991, there are now 73 ReStores located across Canada with hundreds more in the United States.
Some other questions for you to think about:
What types of products can I expect to find at a ReStore?
Every Habitat for Humanity ReStore is different and offers a unique shopping experience. The inventory is always changing, as items are donated daily by corporate and private donors. In Barrie and Alliston you can expect to find items such as windows, doors, paint, hardware, lumber, tools, lighting fixtures, furniture and appliances.
What type of items can be donated to a ReStore?
Commonly donated items include windows, doors, paint, hardware, lumber, tools, lighting fixtures, furniture from home or estate and appliances. Contact both ReStores to determine if what you have can be donated.
How can I get items to the ReStore?
Items can be brought directly to your both ReStores. If you are unable to bring an item to the ReStore due to its size, the ReStore may be able to arrange a time to pick up the items from your home.
How does shopping at and donating to ReStores help the environment?
When a retailer has goods that can no longer be sold in store, they are often sent to a landfill. Thus, donating end-of-line products and customer returns to a ReStore can substantially reduce waste. In 2010, ReStores across Canada diverted 20,000 tonnes and Barrie and Alliston diverted 350 tonnes of material from our landfills. Individuals can also help to reduce waste by donating items of value that might otherwise be thrown out.
What happens to the money generated by ReStores?
The profits generated by ReStores are used to fund the local affiliate that operates the store. Charities, like any other organization, incur administrative fees and ReStore profits help to cover these costs. As a result, money raised by the affiliate by conventional means, such as through individual and corporate giving, can go directly towards local builds and providing more families in the community with safe, decent and affordable housing.
(produced in part from national and local information)