Services

What is MovingWaldo?

MovingWaldo is a one-stop-shop that simplifies tackling moving tasks

Learn more about us

Find a mover

Easily compare multiple quotes

Organize your move

Guided through a checklist

Internet packages

Get up to speed on the new deals

Address change

Update your address in a few clicks
Partners

Are you a company or real estate professional?

Timing is everything, connect with people weeks before they move

Join the network

Become a trusted vendor in your service area

For agents and brokers

Extend your customer relationship with your own branded moving platform

Home Moving tips Best Charities to Donate to Before Moving in Canada

Best Charities to Donate to when Moving in Canada - Find the perfect charity around you.

Getting ready for a move is one of the best times to really sort through your belongings, and get rid of anything that you don’t want to take with you. Not everything you want to leave behind should be thrown away though, in fact, often you can donate a large number of household items to charities, for a second life within your community. Being able to give back even in this small way is a great feeling, and it also helps the environment by reducing the amount of rubbish in landfills.

Once you know that you want to give your gently used belongings to charity, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what organization to support, especially if you are focused on a large move. To make it a little easier, we have offered you our best options that would greatly benefit from your donations, providing you with charities that are diverse, and highly reputable. The good news is that no matter what charity you choose to support, you are still giving back to your community in some way, helping to improve the lives of those most in need.

MovingWaldo’s list of remarkable charities to donate to when moving in Canada

What is MovingWaldo?

MovingWaldo is a technology company that specializes in simplifying the moving process for individuals and families. Our comprehensive suite of services includes booking trustworthy movers, comparing internet plans, and automating administrative tasks, which can save users hours of paperwork.

How are charities selected?

Our network of charities is carefully built based on social impact, years of experience, number of locations and the type of donation they accept. You can refer to the charities listed here to give a second life to everything you don’t want to move with you!

Are you a remarkable charity looking for donation?

1. Renaissance

About Renaissance

Renaissance is a Quebec based non-profit charity that has been helping people since 1994. One of their main missions is to help people who face challenges getting into the workforce known as the Renaissance integration program, alongside being attentive and advocating for environmental initiatives. In three ways, Renaissance gives back to the community socially, environmentally and economically. When you donate or shop at Renaissance, you’re not just making a transaction, you’re changing lives and keeping heaps of clothes and household stuff out of landfills.

Anyone can donate to Renaissance, they accept:apparel for women, men and children, scarves, caps, hats, accessories like handbags, glasses, new cosmetics, jewelry, belts, children games and toys, household items like frames and home decor, lamps, reusable bags, kitchen accessories, curtains, fabrics, to name a few. Find out more on what you can give on the Renaissance Make a Donation page.

Locations of Renaissance

Renaissance has multiple locations across Quebec. Renaissance locations are separated into stores where items can be purchased and donation centers where items are strictly to be dropped off for donation. You can easily find all of these by checking out the Renaissance website and then clicking on the top right location icon. These locations are separated by function (stores/donation/job) so that you can find a location that is right for your type of donation.

Pros

The organization accepts a wide range of donations
Items that are not sold are called “rejects” and are repurposed to partner businesses who reuse the rejects as padding, rags and more.
Low prices and tax-free
Renaissance integration program

Cons

Specific items cannot be donated like large furniture, large household appliances, pianos, mattresses and box springs, pool tables. Find out more on what cannot be donated here.
Items cannot be refunded, only specific items can be exchanged.

Why donate to this charity?

Renaissance is well known for their responsible consumption. Once they receive the donations, they are sorted, labeled and put on sale at the Renaissance stores at low prices and tax-free. On top of this, if an item is received and cannot be donated, instead of being thrown away, it is repurposed and given a new life.

At Renaissance, they are all about helping others kick start their career. The participants are provided with personalized job training programs in order to give the individuals the skills they need to find a job and become independent in the workforce. Renaissance also accepts volunteers who live with a mental or physical disability by labeling, assembling, stocking merchandise for Renaissance.

Overall, Renaissance is more than a donation center, for many years, it has been helping all aspects of society to create a diverse and fair experience for all involved.

2. Salvation Army

About Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a global charity that helps to support communities in over 100 different countries. They have been supporting people in need for over 130 years, and currently provide services to 400 different Canadian communities. In Canada alone, the Salvation Army specifically helps children and families in need by providing basics such as food and shelter, and by helping individuals who are suffering from drug addiction to get their lives back on track. They will gladly accept the home goods you no longer need so that you can move without having to worry about what to do with them.

Locations of Salvation Army in Canada

There are literally hundreds of different Salvation Army locations spread out throughout Canada, in an attempt to reach out and support as many people as possible. You can easily find all of these by checking out the Salvation Army website and then clicking on the “Find a Location” tab. These locations are separated by function (admin/church/thrift store/food bank/emergency housing/addiction recovery) so that you can find a location that is right for your type of donation.

Pros

The organization accepts a wide range of donations

You can donate goods such as clothing, food, even cars. You can also volunteer with the organization.

There are a large number of locations across the country for easy access
Financial donations can easily be done online

Cons

Some people may feel uncomfortable donating to a charity that is so heavily affiliated with a specific religion (Christianity)
The charity does not offer pick-up services for your donations

You must take them to the store location yourself

Why donate to this charity?

The Salvation Army is a well-known charity that has been providing support in different countries for more than a century. This large-scale organization has strong policies in place meaning that your donations will be used in a way that benefits the community as much as possible, and the charity holds themselves accountable for maximizing the good that can be achieved with your money, food, products, or even time. No matter what kind of home goods you are no longer using and want to get rid of, the Salvation Army will gladly accept them if they are in good condition.

Another great reason to donate to the Salvation Army is the fact that they provide a wide range of services for communities in need, offering holistic support. Knowing that the proceeds of your donations will be going to such a worthy cause is important, and it means that you are making a good choice.

3. Food Banks Canada

About Food Banks Canada

Food Banks Canada is an overarching non-profit organization, that helps to provide food for families and individuals in need. It is a great option to donate food you may not be able to move to your new home. They work in close association with food banks across the nation, helping to share resources, and facilitate the connection of these food banks with food supplies, and with each other. They accept help in a number of different ways – individual and corporate sponsorship, volunteering, and donations. Food banks accept donations in the form of food, but also need items such as nappies and infant formula, toilet paper, and personal hygiene items.

Locations of Food Banks Canada

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia

Northwest Territories
Nunavut
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan

Food Banks Canada provides services in all of the provinces listed. For more specific communities that they serve, you can check the “Find a Food Bank” page on their website. Once you select your province, you can then see a list of all of the cities that are supported by this charity. This will also give you locations of the closest food banks, so you know where to go to give your donations.

Pros

Great option to avoid food waste when moving homes
There are a large number of locations throughout the country
You can donate food directly to the people in need in your community

You can be sure that your contribution is helping those around you

Your contributions to Food Banks Canada are going towards solutions for the future

You are not just helping your community now, but making sure that structures are in place to help people in the future, too

Cons

Their support is limited to food-based help, as opposed to charities that help communities in many ways
You can only donate foods or small household items

You cannot donate old clothes or furniture

Why donate to this charity?

As research on the Food Banks Canada website indicates, food insecurity is a massive issue for over 1 million Canadians. People that are affected the most are children, and those surviving on pensions or provincial disability supports. These are already vulnerable people, and providing them with food ensures that they get the basics that they need to survive. Donating to Food Banks Canada means that you are supporting your local community as well as providing wider, national support at some level.

For many people, moving with cupboards full of food just doesn’t make sense, and it can create unnecessary stress and problems for your move. Organizing a donation just before you leave your home for the last time is a great way to make your move easier for you, but to also help your community.

4. Goodwill

About Goodwill Canada

Goodwill was first opened in Canada in 1945, and today it is an international company. This is a thrift store, accepting gently-used donations which can then be sold. The money raised from their stores is used for a number of different community initiatives, including generating employment opportunities for everyone who needs them, with a special focus on disabled communities.

Locations of Goodwill Canada

Ontario
Cambridge-Goderich-Kitchener
Guelph-Mississauga-Stratford
Woodstock-St. Thomas-London
Sarnia-Chatham-Essex
Kingsville-La Salle

Goodwill only operates in the province of Ontario, but they do have numerous stores. For more information on exact locations, you can click on the “Locator” button found on their website. If you type in your postal code, you get the opportunity to search for the stores closest to you.

Pros

Goodwill accepts a wide range of donations
The charity provides a number of different initiatives for communities, meaning your support is important and far-reaching within your region

Cons

Their store locations are very limited throughout the country

This charity only operates in Ontario

Not all locations can accept heavy furniture donations

You are encouraged to ring your local store and check they can handle the donation

Why donate to this charity?

If you want to be sure that your old clothing, electronics, and small furniture items are being donated to a good cause, you should donate them to Goodwill. Not only do they provide people who are most in need with support, but they also focus on sustainability and employment, providing future opportunities to improve and become independent.

One of the only downsides to this charity is that they only operate in Ontario communities. The company is an international brand but still remains relatively small in Canada. This makes it a great option for those who are local to the area, but everyone else needs to consider other options. It can also be a great option for those who are moving to Ontario – although you have to bring your items you no longer want with you, you can easily donate them when you arrive in your new city.

5. Habitat for Humanity

About Habitat for Humanity in Canada

Habitat for Humanity is an international organization that focuses on ensuring that everyone has a safe place to live. Shelter is a basic necessity, and unfortunately, there are some people who do not have access to this, leaving them in incredibly unsafe conditions. This charity offers local help for those in need, with a special focus on indigenous cultures and providing services that are useful but also appropriate. They also offer international support, helping to build homes in nations such as the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. Habitat for Humanity gladly accepts home goods that are no longer in use and can be resold, as well as building materials that can be used to create safe homes.

Locations of Habitat for Humanity in Canada

Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Nunavut
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon

If you click on the “Find a Habitat in your Community” button, you are directed to a list of provinces that this charity is active in. You can select a province for specific location details of Habitats as well as ReStores, so you know where you can donate your old items to.

Pros

There are a large number of locations throughout the country
They accept leftover building materials
Many ReStores can offer pickup services for your donations

Cons

Not all ReStores accept the same goods

You should always call your local store in advance, just to be certain they can accept your donations.

Why donate to this charity?

Habitat for Humanity is a widely known and respected charity, so if you donate to them, you can feel satisfied knowing that you have helped your community. Their aim is to provide everyone with their basic human right to shelter, and you can aid in this endeavor. This charity also accepts goods that may not be accepted by other organizations, such as raw building materials that are still in good condition and large furniture items.

Habitat for Humanity really is one of the most convenient charities to donate to, considering that many of their locations are also willing to organize pickup services to collect your goods. All you need to do is organize what you need to donate, and they can do the rest, leaving you free to focus on your move.

Share this article on social media

Relevant for your move

Broadband Providers

Best Charities to Donate to when Moving in Canada - Find the perfect charity around you.

MovingWaldo’s list of remarkable charities to donate to when moving in Canada

1. Renaissance

2. Salvation Army

3. Food Banks Canada

4. Goodwill

5. Habitat for Humanity

Share this article on social media

5 Best Broadband Providers in Cambridge – Compare the Top Broadband Deals

5 Best Broadband Providers in Wolverhampton – Compare the Top Broadband Deals

5 Best Broadband Providers in Plymouth – Compare the Top Broadband Deals

About

For businesses

Get listed on MovingWaldo

Recevez la liste complète pour vos changements d'adresse directement dans votre boite de réception

Find a mover

Organize your move

Internet packages

Address change

Join the network

For agents and brokers

Trouver un déménageur

Organisez votre déménagement

Changement d’adresse

Forfaits internet

Rejoignez le réseau

Professionnels de l’immobilier

Get our printable change of address checklist directly in your inbox