Victorian chairs, vintage chandeliers, antique ottomans, stainless steel sinks, sliding doors and stylish textiles fill the aisles of Habitat for Humanity’s Vaughan ReStore. A haven for homeowners in the midst of renovating, a playground for value hunters and a source of revenue for one of York Region’s most transformative not-for-profit organizations is breaking ground with its resourceful retail concept.

“It’s an amazing success story all around and the ReStore is a big part of it,” says Habitat for Humanity York Region’s newly appointed executive director Tom Vegh. By selling pre-loved home improvement goods, furniture, flooring, home accessories, lighting and appliances at a fraction of the retail price, Habitat for Humanity’s York Region ReStore outlets have been serving the public, preserving the environment and saving savvy shoppers money.

“We can’t build homes without this,” says Bryon Disera, operations manager of York Region ReStores. With an annual revenue stream of approximately $1.2 million, the Vaughan and Newmarket locations offset Habitat’s administration expenses, so 100 per cent of local benefactions can go directly towards its successful homebuilding program. “It ends the cycle of poverty and gets families and their children out of unsafe situations and into safe affordable home ownership,” he adds.

Established nearly a decade ago, the primarily volunteer-run retail model is simple. Generous homeowners who want their gently used building material, furniture or appliances to go to a better cause can donate their salvageable goods to ReStore outlets, which will not only collect their reclaimed items but also issue a charitable tax receipt for the value sold. Local residents can then acquire these items at low prices and zero HST with the comfort of knowing their purchases will help pave the way for low-income families.

Conserving more than 500 tonnes of material that would otherwise end up in landfills, ReStore’s mission goes far beyond the brickwork. “You’re saving the environment and helping families in the community, it’s a win-win situation,” Disera says of the outlets, which are also supported by retailers such as Home Depot, Lowes, Rona and Prima Lighting, which generously donate new, discontinued, overstocked and returned items, ensuring inventory is refreshed with quality products on a daily basis.

Since its inception in 2001, Habitat for Humanity York Region has built 13 homes throughout the community and has recently secured land in Sutton to begin its 14th home in early May. By visiting the ReStores in Vaughan or Newmarket today, you can help build a better tomorrow.

www.habitatyork.ca/restore
Call (905) 868-8723 to inquire about donating your items and arrange a pick-up or visit Vaughan ReStore at 405 Rowntree Dairy Rd. or Newmarket ReStore at 776 Davis Dr.