Latest News

UpLift Canada Foundation volunteers collect clothing and give it back to those in need.

Photo courtesy Zoey Victoria Purvis

Youths upcycling clothing for the needy

By Samuel Cheng

Published 2:03 PST, Fri March 11, 2022

—

Each month, the UpLift Canada Foundation chooses a different city to host its clothing upcycling program. Richmond was the foundation’s pick last month.

UpLift is a youth-led, non-profit organization that was founded in January 2021. Its main initiative is to upcycle donated clothing and directly relocate items to local shelters across Canada.

The foundation was started by Tsawwassen’s Maggie Larocque, who was inspired by a visit to a local landfill.

“Not only was it an environmentally disheartening place to visit, but I witnessed, first-hand, the sheer amount of clothing waste that is prevalent in my own backyard,” says Larocque. “I simply couldn't believe my eyes, witnessing the piles and piles of perfectly good clothing that was going to waste.”

Larocque chose to make UpLift a non-profit organization because of her previous experiences of working in shelter housing, which was chronically underfunded and understaffed. She decided that the “cost-free” model was the ideal approach to tackle the root of the problem.

“A non-profit organization was not only the right fit for us, but also for those we work with,” says Larocque.

The mission of the organization is to improve sustainability across Canada, with the goal of having volunteer teams in each province and territory. This will help extend the reach and expand the positive impacts UpLift brings to each community.

Volunteers are tasked with picking up clothing donations from people’s doorsteps. Clothes are then sorted, packaged, and relocated to various shelters to help those in need.

Establishing a strong identity within the communities in which it operates and finding funding have proven to be two of the biggest challenges for UpLift.

“This will take time of course, but it is our continued work with shelters and communities in the Lower Mainland that we hope will inspire more people to share the word and donate,” says Maddy Huehn, one of UpLift’s B.C. chapter heads.

UpLift plays a critical role in communities by supporting shelters, helping people in need, and reducing environmental waste.

“Through our monthly donation days, we’ve reminded our communities that there are people in our own communities we can support,” says Huehn. “And we can do so by listening to them and giving them clothing items they truly need.”

Establishing connections and creating awareness have been ongoing goals for the organization as it is still learning and growing.

“Connecting with individuals who rely on donations, building relationships, (and) taking time to understand what they need and how we can best support them has continually inspired our work here at UpLift Canada,” says Huehn.

Founding the organization during the pandemic was also challenging. Following safety guidelines has made certain aspects of work more difficult, but it has also inspired the UpLift team to adapt and be more creative and innovative.

“To see UpLift so openly sharing our process, goals, and accomplishments facilitates an open dialogue between our team and the communities we support,” says Huehn. “(It) engages neighbourhoods close to home and those across the nation.”

Aside from transparency, UpLift also seeks to constantly change and enhance its work in order to better serve the community. Ultimately, the foundation is hoping to be a permanent fixture within communities and to serve more people as well as operating its moving monthly program.

People can support the organization with clothing donations, which are always accepted and appreciated. Monetary donations are also helpful and effective as they help UpLift expand and reach out to more cities and communities.

“If you are unable to donate, simply discussing and raising awareness for the UpLift Canada Foundation helps immensely,” says Rowan Melnick, UpLift’s other B.C. chapter head.

Being a part of the UpLift team has created some of the most memorable moments in Melnick’s career.

“If I had to isolate just one moment that has made a lasting impact on myself, it would be the drop-off day in August 2021,” says Melnick. “I was able to have a conversation with one (of) the shelter workers who described the positive impact that UpLift had on their community.”

Larocque shares a tip with future entrepreneurs planning to start their own non-profit organizations.

“Do it for the right reasons,” says Larocque. “Follow good intentions with action and always be receptive to feedback, especially from the community members you work with.”

For more information about the UpLift Canada Foundation, visit upliftcanadafoundation.org