Where to Donate in Ottawa
Once you’ve decided what truly sparks joy for you, it’s time to pass on the rest!
I like to think that there are 3 ways to pass along items that aren’t ready to be recycled: sell, pass along, or bulk donate. Scroll down to find out about each.
As much as the old saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” may be true, make sure the items you’re going to sell, pass long, or donate aren’t actually trash! And if it is trash, please recycle whenever possible!
Sell
1) Sell for Money
If you’re looking to sell your items, websites like Poshmark.ca (for clothing and accessories), eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Kijiji are great options.
2) Sell for Charity
A new option (which I absolutely love!) is the GiveShop app. They describe themselves as “an online marketplace for in-kind giving and charity friendly shopping”. Basically, you post the items you want to sell and the proceeds go to the local charity of your choice. How amazing is that? And you receive a charitable receipt for the purchase price. It’s a win-win situation that sparks some serious joy!
Pass Along
Please, please, please don’t move your unwanted items to your parent’s basement! Share those items with people who will use them!
1) Pass Along to Your Neighbours
My favourite way to pass along my unwanted items is via my neighbourhood “Buy Nothing” Facebook group. I’ve given everything from brand new shirts to an open box of tea I just really didn’t like. It’s based on your postal code and - depending on where you live - the group members usually live within walking distance! No need to coordinate work schedules or drive across town, just pop it on over while you walk the dog! This is also a great way to find something you need without spending a dime!
Go to https://buynothingproject.org/find-a-group/#ON and look for your neighbourhood. Note that for the greater Ottawa area, you may need to look under “Kanata”, “Nepean”, “Orleans”, etc. as the groups are very specific. There are 4 different Centretown groups alone! Talk about keeping it local :)
In addition to your new or gently used items, groups like these are a great way to pass along new, opened (but never worn!) undergarments, open toiletries, cosmetics, and food items, or items that you think are still usable but may be thrown away by bulk donation organizations.
2) Pass Along to Local Organizations & Small Businesses
Another way is to give your items to specific local non-profit organizations and small businesses or that specialize in electronic repairs, clothing or furniture upcycling, etc.
Here are a few local ones in the Ottawa area, listed by what type of items they take. Please contact them for more information.
Clothing
Krooked Stitch - Leather
Labarang Designs - Denim (jackets, jeans, etc.)
The Brides’ Project - Wedding dresses
Books
Textiles
Refreshed Memories - Quilts
Household Items
Kickin’ Brass Vintage - Metal items such as copper, brass, and silver
Furniture
Helping With Furniture / Aidons avec des meubles
*If you’d like to add your organization or business to the list, contact me with your information!
Bulk Donate
If you don’t want to sell or pass along specific items, bulk donations are the way to go! Click on the pink links for locations and be sure to contact them to see about specific items if you’re unsure.
Like I said before, just because one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, make sure the items you’re donating aren’t actually trash!
Also, before you bulk donate, keep in mind that all items should be in good and usable condition. Items such as undergarments and hosiery must be new (still in the package or with tags on) and toiletries and cosmetics must be unopened. If not, these items will end up in the trash :(
Women’s Items
Dress for Success - Women’s interview-appropriate clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as new undergarments, hosiery, toiletries & cosmetics. *Note that drop-offs are only accepted between 13:00 & 18:00 on the last Monday of each month
Fairy Godmother Ottawa - In style/trendy formal and prom dresses, shoes, purses, jewelry, and unopened cosmetics. *Donations are accepted at Browns Cleaners.
Men’s Items
The Ottawa Mission - Men’s clothing (especially steel-toe work boots, coats, jeans, new underwear), toiletries (disposable razors, shaving cream, and deodorant), and new or gently used towels.
General
Diabetes Canada - Clothing, shoes, accessories, home textiles and linens, sleeping bags. *Home pickup or donation bins
Carty House - Clothing, shoes and accessories, household goods, and furniture.
Cerebral Palsy - Clothing, shoes and accessories, books, household goods and furniture, sporting goods, electronics. *Home pickup available.
Salvation Army Thrift Stores - Clothing, shoes and accessories, household goods, textiles, furniture, electronics, toys, media, and books.
Shepherd’s of Good Hope - Clothing (especially winter clothing), shoes, canned food, razors, blankets, gift cards to local food or grocery stores.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Clothing, shoes and accessories, household goods, and furniture.
St. Joe’s Women’s Shelter - Books, new children’s toys, toiletries, non-perishable food items, gift certificates to food or grocery stores.
Value Village - Clothing, shoes and accessories, household goods, textiles, furniture, electronics, toys, media, and books.
Home Renovation & Building Materials
Habitat for Humanity - New or usable building materials. *Home pickup available.