Furniture Bank

Furniture Bank
Founded1998 (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
FounderSister Anne Schenck[1]
Typenon-profit, social enterprise
FocusWomen and children, immigrants, refugees, homeless
Location
Area served
Greater Toronto Area
Key people
Dan Kershaw, executive director[1]
Websitewww.furniturebank.org

Furniture Bank is a charitable organization and social enterprise[2] that has been helping people in the Greater Toronto Area establish their homes since 1998.[3][4] Furniture Bank accepts gently used furniture and household goods and redistributes them to people in marginalized communities.[5] Donors can drop off furniture or use the fee-based pick-up service to make a contribution, and are offered an in kind charitable tax receipt for the value of the donated goods.[6][7]

The organization’s focus is on helping new immigrants and refugees, abused women and children,[3] and the formerly homeless furnish their homes.[2] Furniture Bank works alongside more than 70 community agencies and shelters,[4] such as Streets to Homes,[8] YMCA Shelters, and the Fred Victor Centre,[9] that refer clients in need to access the services.

With 5 trucks on the road,[6] Furniture Bank is able to provide furniture to more than 5,000 clients a year.[9][10] In 2012, the organization diverted 1,526 metric tons of furniture from ending up in a landfill.[8]

Furniture Bank is a member of the Furniture Bank Association of North America.[11]

  1. ^ a b DeMontis, Rita (February 1, 2018). "A future with Toronto's Furniture Bank". Toronto Sun. Retrieved February 17, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Reason, Cynthia (26 July 2012). "Furniture Bank offers families a fresh start". Etobicoke Guardian. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  3. ^ a b Benitah, Sandie (8 March 2012). "Furniture Bank gives women in need a fresh start". CP24. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  4. ^ a b O'Connor, Jennifer (25 November 2006). "Furniture heaven for those in most need; Toronto charity offers clients donated tables, sofas and beds". Toronto Star. ProQuest 43909128.
  5. ^ Reason, Cynthia (20 March 2013). "Furniture Bank's new location offers clients a true shopping experience". Etobicoke Guardian. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  6. ^ a b "Press Release: Toronto Chair Affair Gala adds Fathead". Wire Service. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  7. ^ Lee, Amanda. "There's good in the neighbourhood at the Furniture Bank in Etobicoke". Eau Du Soleil. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  8. ^ a b Usher, Dianne (2 May 2014). "Furniture Bank offers a helping hand". Toronto Sun. Toronto Real Estate Board. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  9. ^ a b Moorhouse, Ellen (7 September 2012). "Do your old couch a favour". Toronto Star. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  10. ^ DeCarlo, Sheri (5 June 2012). "Furniture Bank's Chair Affair helps empower families". Torontonicity. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  11. ^ "List of Furniture Banks". Furniture Bank Association of North America. Retrieved 9 October 2014.