We’ve all heard the cliche: one person’s junk is another person’s treasure. Like most cliches, it’s rooted in truth. Just ask my thrift store loving husband.
I enjoy a good thrifting outing myself. But even more than buying stuff, I love giving it away.
When a piece of clothing is still in good shape and has potential value, it doesn’t belong in a landfill. Just because I’m sick of a decor item doesn’t make it worthless. And I still have a big ol’ club chair I rescued more than twenty years ago. All thanks to someone who thought to let it find a forever home in a thrift store.
In 1990 it was $40 and covered in gold fabric with sweat stains. Ew!
I cleaned it up and threw a fuzzy throw over it until I could afford to get it recovered. (That took a few years!) An upholsterer fixed it up and it’s been this way ever since. I still love it.
Back to Clothing Again
It’s easy for us to donate to thrift stores (and scour them!) because there are several in nearby St. Thomas and London. But what about people who don’t live near one? If you’re an Ontario resident, the Salvation Army is doing something about it.
The SA’s National Recycling Operations (NRO) has partnered with Drop-shipper PUDO to bring in donations, free for the sender. All you do is package up your gently used clothing, accessories, and footwear. (No furniture yet!) Go to the thrift store website to print off a free shipping label. Then drop the box at one of PUDO’s 500 counters. They’re located in select dry cleaners, drug stores, and convenience stores.
If this works as well as hoped, they’ll roll it out in other provinces.
Having just come from a place where they don’t recycle, it’s clear that repurposing has to be made easy. Taping and labeling a box will still be too much effort for some people. I remember a woman telling me that removing the clear window from her envelopes was too much to ask. Everyone’s different.
However, this new pilot program removes a pain point for a lot of people; driving out of their way. I hope it improves the donation rate that in turn helps fund SA’s important projects.
Learn more about this pilot program HERE.
Diabetes Ontario will pick up products directly from your door and you can check their website for a list of products they’ll accept. I’ve used them on several occasions clearing out various kitchen items and others in preparation of moving.
Yes, I’m aware of them. No offense to diabetes but I’m a big fan of the programs SA runs that are funded by donations, and this pilot project is brand new.
This sounds like the Salvation Army has a win-win operation to help increase donations. For those who are not computer savvy, maybe the Diabetes trucks are better suited for them. Either way is much better than a landfill. Cheers to all involved. Great for the planet & our wallets. I love a good bargain when I go thrifting. Thanks for the info.
This is great news. I just found a PUDO counter location that is 2 minutes from my house. I’ve always supported Salvation Army and we have found so many great items over the years.
Thanks for the info, Lisa, this program just made donating a lot easier for people.
Mending is better than ending!