News Archives - Page 3 of 13 - Brands For Canada

Links for Greener Learning is a not for profit environmental organization that seeks to serve the needs of the community by promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. LGL programs and initiatives focus on protecting and preserving our natural environment while providing meaningful social and economic benefits to members of the community.

Not too long ago, Brands For Canada received a donation of 20 fabric rolls and shared them with Links for Greener Learning and they are using each and every piece to create new and unique pieces. Check out the products Links For Greener Learning has created with the surplus fabric they received from us!

Echo Chic 3R’s Boutique

Links for Greener Learning is having an exhibition of the new products on November 23rd with the fabrics donated by BFC. The event is at St. Catherines Market Square and you’re all invited!

The Good Food Box

LGL also has a great program called The Good Food box, aimed at improving the health of our communities by providing fresh and affordable products that are purchased from local farmers and wholesalers. This program is in the Niagara region, learn more about it here.

Thank you for Being a Brand For Canada!

This past weekend, Brands For Canada took part in the 6th Homeless Connect Toronto event at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. The event is committed to helping individuals to connect the dots to end homelessness in their lives by bringing together partners who can donate items and services.

This years event had 1005 at-risk or homeless guests receiving over 85 services on-site. The services ranged from hearing assessments to pet care, dental care, chiropractic care, Hep C testing, foot care, haircuts, flu shots, manicures, portrait photography, clothing, health resources, eye assessments, community supports, leisure, nutrition, diabetic support, education and employment supports, housing supports, legal supports, mental health and addictions. There was even live music on site!

CityNews was onsite to share about the day, watch the video here.

The sixth annual Project Homeless Connect helps thousands of Torontonians access services such as dental, eye exams, flu shots, clothing, legal support and pet care as we near the coldest months of the year.

To learn more about Homeless Connect Toronto visit hctoronto.org and or download an information package here.

We’d like to extend a HUGE thank you to Gap Canada employees for spending a day volunteering in the warehouse last week. As a team, the group processed 2,400 Lbs of clothing which worked out to be 4 skids and 2,000 pieces of new clothing. The team helped to get it ready for distribution to our partner agencies across Canada.

Want to organize a volunteer day with your company? Send us an email or give us a call. 416.703.8435
info@brandsforcanada.com

The Garment Collection Program at H&M is a global initiative to achieve a sustainable fashion future. You can drop a bag of any unwanted garments at your local H&M store where they welcome all textiles, any brand, any condition. Pack up your odd socks, worn-out T-shirts and old sheets and for every bag you drop off, you’ll receive a discount card for $5 off a $30 purchase. Your old textiles are then sent to the nearest recycling plant, where they’re sorted by hand.

Here’s how it works:

REWEAR: Clothing that can be worn again is marketed worldwide as second-hand goods.
REUSE: Textiles that are no longer suitable to wear are converted into other products, such as remake collections or cleaning cloths.
RECYCLE: Textiles that can’t be reused get a new chance as textile fibres, or are used to manufacture products such as damping and insulating materials for the auto industry. Any surplus from the garment collecting is donated to research on textile recycling as well as social projects.

H&M consistently donates unsold goods to us and we distribute them to people in need through our partner agencies across Canada. Last month, they donated 6 skids of clothing and accessories for kids and adults. Thank you H&M for being a BRAND FOR CANADA!

This year at Bell Canada‘s annual backpack drive, they sourced items to fill over 3,500 backpacks for 118 community groups. The packs were then distributed to kids through schools and local organizations in 7 provinces.

Since the Backpacks for Kids program began, Bell team members have filled almost 100,000 backpacks with supplies for elementary school students.

This year BFC received 138 backpacks filled with school supplies.
Thank you for being a Brand for Canada!

Read about Bell Canada’s 2017 Backpack drive here.

Last week we were at the Apparel Textile Show in Toronto at the International Centre. We had a great time meeting new contacts and sharing our story with attendees.

Our very own Helen Harakas and Bob Kirke, Executive Director of the Canadian Apparel Federation and our newest board member.

One of our favourite parts was the presentation of a special plaque to key companies and organizers and the ATS show donating an ocean container of goods to Brands For Canada. Thank you!

A post shared by Brands For Canada (@brandsforcanada) on Aug 22, 2018 at 6:46am PDT

We made lots of new connections with potential donors, volunteers, supporters, manufacturers, retail, colleges, universities, designers, associations, and the general. It was a great event and we look forward to next year!

Learn more about ATS Miami and Toronto by visiting their website or following their Instagram, @apparel_textile_sourcing.

We still have space in our EDGE Training program for people with disabilities starting May 28. Please see below or this link for how to apply.

Our EDGE Program is one of the most comprehensive job-training programs in Canada; assisting individuals with disabilities to gain a competitive edge that enhances their potential for sustainable employment.

Client Benefits

10 sessions with a designated coach
New clothing
personal care products
hair cut/service

BFC Edge Eligibility Criteria

Clients may not be on the Ontario Works program
Clients may be on ODSP, or if not receiving ODSP Income Support, have a self-identified disability (Doctor’s note required)
Individuals must be committed to securing sustainable (full or part-time) employment
Completed GED or Grade 10 education
Ability to travel to South Etobicoke
Legally able to work in Canada

2018 Program Start Dates

May 28
July 16

*classes will commence from 10am – 3pm, 2-3 times per week

How to Apply

1 Please complete application on Brands for Canada site here.

2 Email resumes to bfcedge@brandsforcanada.com

Suitable Impressions is a full-day workshop that addresses the needs of individuals looking to secure a job. The workshop entails interactive and engaging speakers that cover key areas- first impressions training (body language, attire, grooming, hygiene); health/wellness (stress management); credit/budgeting (financial literacy); mindfulness; confidence building and networking and much more.

HERE’S WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

“The information gathered today was important to me because I learned new ways to better prepare for my interviews. The staff were very inspiring and made me feel more positive about my future. They were really helpful in choosing my clothes. All in all, today was a very good day and I want to say a big “Thank You” to the sponsors and everyone. “
“I was unemployed, for almost two years. My caseworker mentioned that I should attend this great opportunity called “Suitable Impressions.” The whole experience helped me prepare for interviews and build my confidence. I was able to get interview clothing to make a lasting impression. With the skills I learned, I was able to obtain a position with reputed organization.”

Benefits for Clients:

A certified Image Consultant teaches clients how to dress appropriately for diverse industries
NEW work attire ($500+ value)
Gift bag full of personal care items ($75 value)
A cell phone and starter card (while supplies last)
A free haircut or hair service from our Salon partners ($40+ value)
Financial literacy and credit building awareness session by Credit Canada.
Increased self-esteem
Positive classroom environment and FUN!
Increased confidence to handle the common challenges and fears which arise throughout the job-search and interview process.

Who is eligible for Suitable Impressions?

- - Clients on Ontario Works need to receive a referral from their caseworker. (OW registration form)
  - Clients on ODSP do not need a referral from their case worker

Workshop Dates:

- MAY 18th – MEN
- MAY 25th – WOMEN
- JUNE 8th – MEN
- JUNE 15th – WOMEN
- JULY 6th – MEN
- JULY 13th – WOMEN
- AUGUST 17th – MEN
- AUGUST 24th – WOMEN

Part of our missions is achieving a sustainable world where surplus goods are purposefully used to eliminate poverty and inequality. There is no doubt that there is a water crisis. Did you know that it takes approximately 3,000 litres of water to produce one pound of clothing?

This means we save a precious 1,200,000,000 (one billion two hundred million) litres of water, as less clothing needs to be produced when new usable clothing is saved and given to people in need.

GLOBAL WATER SCARCITY

Want to get involved?!

Give $ to support our programs, donate products, designate BFC as the charity of choice.
Host an event at your workplace or community group.
Volunteer as individuals, corporate days, schools, community groups.
Support a participant in our job training program by being a mentor.

Nearly five million people in Canada live below the poverty line, that’s 1 out of 7. We want to make that number smaller each year by making sure people have access to proper clothing and other basic essentials necessary for a dignified and prosperous life.