Due to the success of our Spirit Bundle program and the ongoing needs of our recipients, we implemented the Giving Circle program which provides free items including clothing, school supplies, electronics, kitchenware, household amenities and more to those registered with our Spirit Bundle program and those who identify as First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
This program is possible through the donations of gently used and new items that we receive from individuals and organizations in the local community, which we are then able to make available to hundreds of First Nations, Inuit and Métis families in the Region.
For more information on our Spirit Bundle Program, click the button below.
The Program Process
Giving Circles are pop-up thrift shops where visitors can “shop” for free. Each Giving Circle event includes a community fire. Snacks are also provided.
Every few weeks, we get a bundle of donations to our Kitchener office and our team sorts through them in our warehouse to check the quality and durability. Once they are sorted and itemized, they are set aside and prepared for Giving Circles that we hold every 3 months.
We send out priority notice to those in our Spirit Bundle Program to inform them of our upcoming Giving Circle event. We then make posts on our social media platforms for other First Nations, Inuit and Métis community members to become aware.
This is a supportive solution to help offset the exacerbated cost of living due to the pandemic and inflation. In alignment with our mission, we view Giving Circles as a hand up, not a hand out.
Through programs like Spirit Bundles and Giving Circles, we can work to build trust and open windows and doors into the rest of our resources related mental health support, life skills and employment.
How to get involved
NON-MONETARY GIFTS
If you have any NEW items including clothing, electronics, bed sheets, blankets, household items, decorative items, school supplies and anything you can think of – please consider donating them to our Kitchener Office at 236 Woodhaven Rd.
CONNECT with US
If you know of any organizations that would be interested in contributing to this program, please reach out at info@aocan.org or call us at 519-208-5333.
DONATE
You can also donate monetarily to this program in order to assure it continues to support Indigenous communities. We don’t only aim to provide items that are a necessity, but to also provide items that can brighten up a home.
If you would like to donate to this program, click the button below.
Please reach out to us at info@aocan.org for any inquiries or call us at 519-208-5333.
