annual report - Toronto Community Knowledge Centre

BRANDS FOR CANADA ONTARIO
ANNUAL REPORT 2014 - 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Vision, Mission & Values__________________________________________________________________________________1
Message from the Executive Director ___________________________________________________________________ 2
Warehouse Distribution Centre _________________________________________________________________________ 3
Suitable Impressions _____________________________________________________________________________________ 4
The Dress Shop ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 5
Kids’ Basics Program _____________________________________________________________________________________ 6
ODSP Partnerships _______________________________________________________________________________________ 7
New Partnerships ________________________________________________________________________________________ 8
Client Testimonials _______________________________________________________________________________________ 9
Agency Testimonials ___________________________________________________________________________________ 10
Donor Testimonials ____________________________________________________________________________________ 11
Program Statistics ______________________________________________________________________________________ 12
Staff Directory __________________________________________________________________________________________ 13
Board Members___________________________________________________________________________________________________14
VISION, MISSION AND VALUES
Vision, Mission and Values
OUR VISION
All people in the communities we serve have the basic necessities for a dignified life.
OUR MISSION
BFCDO assists our most vulnerable citizens by:

Providing NEW donated clothing and other basic-needs items to people who are living in poverty

Distributing the items through partnerships with local social service agencies

Ensuring that children who are facing trauma have the basic necessities of life

Offering meaningful job-training placements and workshops that build skills and improve selfconfidence

Raising awareness of poverty issues and contributing to solutions
OUR VALUES
Dignity
We believe that all people have the right to have their basic needs met, to have a fair opportunity to grow
and develop skills and confidence, and to receive the support required to live a dignified life.
Accountability
We promote and incorporate a culture of transparency within all areas of our organization.
Sustainability
We are committed to ongoing sustainability and waste reduction within all areas of our organization and
our community.
Community
We believe in cultivating and maintaining strong relationships within our community.
Diversity
We are committed to an inclusive workplace that values, respects and supports different perspectives,
cultures and abilities of all. We believe that a workplace rich in diversity inspires everyone to reach their full
potential and enhances our organization.
Annual Report | Page 1
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Message from the Executive Director
This past year was one of the most inspiring ones ever. It started out with a Bash. The Basics Bash! An
incredibly talented and dedicated team of volunteers led by Zenny Sousa and Marie Kagan, threw us a
fundraiser at the Old Mill that knocked our socks off!
The year saw us gain new donors and supporters such as Henry Chow of Rogers Uptown – who donated
new cell phones with starter cards – to our clients with no phones; Ralph Chiodo of Active Green + Ross who
donated a 4,000 square foot warehouse for our overflow; and Dan Richards, a professor at Rotman School of
Management who organized a ski jacket drive with several of the ski clubs north of the city.
Our Kids’ Basics program continues to thrive through the generous support of several key donors: Joanne
Dereta – Jo’s Comfort Packs program that ensures children who are entering shelters have new comforting
items; Charger Foundation – a golf tournament that supplies new winter coats for kids; and yconic, Bell, RBC
and GAP Inc. - that held drives at their workplaces for new school backpacks.
Our programs would not be possible without our ongoing major funders; Government of Ontario; Sprott
Foundation; State Street Foundation; Mackenzie Investments; TD Bank Group; Harry E. Foster Foundation;
Meighen Foundation; Alamos Gold; and G.H. Wood Foundation. Thank you!
The warehouse program runs like clockwork because of the program participants from Community Living
Toronto and the generous free pick-ups of donations from Remco Group. Our Wear White campaign gained
significant attention this past year thanks to Rogers Communications and Cadillac Fairview who selected us
as the charity of choice for their shopping events at several malls across Ontario. We were also very grateful
to be selected as the charity of choice for Start Up Fashion Week, the Ukrainian Women’s Association and
AKOMA – a musical theatre company.
Our re-branding and name change to Brands for Canada Ontario went into high gear this past year and we
will soon be launching a new name, a new look, a new website and a new national charity called Brands for
Canada. Now we can take our important and impactful work in the areas of poverty and environment to a
higher level and across the country. The public launch is in the works and promises to be spectacular. Many
thanks to Seamus Clarke for his vision and tireless work on this project.
And speaking of tireless work, I would like to thank our dedicated board members, students, volunteers and
staff for their daily commitment to our clients. All support our mission and vision and perform their duties
with passion, focus, purpose and heart. We all work together through inspiration. We are inspired by our
agency partners and their commitment to their clients, and by the generosity of our caring donors. But
mostly, we are inspired by our on-site placement trainees who show us every day, what we are truly here on
earth to do.
Helen Harakas
Executive Director
Annual Report | Page 2
WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION CENTRE
Warehouse Distribution Centre
BFCO distributes an average of 900,000 pieces of new clothing and other basic-needs items annually, with a
value of over $42 million retail. The items are distributed through approximately 100 social service agency
partners across the GTA reaching more than 64,000 men, women and children who are living in poverty.
An efficient warehouse is the heart of BFCO’s operations. We have a team of intellectually challenged adults
through a partnership with Community Living Toronto (CLT), assisting us with unpacking, counting, sorting,
removing labels and shipping.
We also partner with Ontario Works and other job training agencies by offering their clients work
placements within our warehouse.
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
 Launched comprehensive inventory software system,
 Launched comprehensive inventory software system,
Pack Manager, to itemize and track inventory (May
Pack Manager, to itemize and track inventory
2015)
 Redesigned warehouse layout increasing efficiency
 Redesigned warehouse layout increasing process
and storage
space by 20% and 70% more storage
deliveries
efficiency
 Received generous donation of warehouse space
(donations) space
(4000 sq/ft) from Ralph Chiodo, Active Green + Ross
 New clothing donors include – Free Style Marketing,
 New clothing donors include – Free Style Marketing,
Chico Apparel, Athletic Kids, McCarthy’s (uniforms)
Chico Apparel, Athletic Knit
 Weekly corporate volunteer designated days
 Weekly corporate volunteer designated days
(Wednesdays) with ongoing support throughout the
(Wednesdays) with ongoing support throughout the
year from Bell, BMO, Canada Post, Citi, GAP Inc., TD
year from Bell, BMO, Canada Post, Citi, GAP Inc., TD
 Received recognition from Citi as one of their chosen
 Received recognition from Citi as one of their chosen
charity at their TSX event (June 9, 2015)
charities at their
TSX
event Connect Toronto annual
 Participates
in the
Homeless
 Participated in the Homeless Connect Toronto annual
event (2014, 2015) providing warm essential basics
event
providing
essentialyouth
basics
more than
to
more
than 200warm
men, women,
andtochildren
200 men, women, youth and children
Annual Report | Page 3
SUITABLE IMPRESSIONS
Suitable Impressions
Suitable Impressions is an innovative employment program created in 2010, to address the needs of
individuals struggling to secure employment and who were facing additional challenges of a lack of
inappropriate interview and work attire. They also lack personal hygiene products; essentials that
contribute to confidence and dignity. In addition to providing these basic items, the program has an
immediate impact on clients’ job search efforts because of the holistic approach and empowering
philosophy incorporated within the seminar.
This entails interactive and engaging speakers that cover key areas – health/wellness (stress management);
credit/budgeting (financial literacy); first impressions training (attire, grooming, body language);
mindfulness (positivity, power posing); networking (art of conversation, tone, handshake). The
transformation that occurs in our clients is incredible to witness as they become more energized by the
tools and experience of the seminar, and regain their confidence, dignity and power.
Special thank you to our program guest speakers: Theresa Ferracuti, Lenn Guerrero, Credit Canada and
Jacqueline Hutchinson.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Expansion to increase reach within
ODSP client base
 Development to expand seminar with
customized follow up, support and
coaching
 More than 100 clients completed
seminar with 90% satisfaction rate
 New partnership secured with George
Brown College Augmented Education
Program
 New agency partners - St. Stephen’s,
Miziwe Biik, Rent Bank, John Howard
Society, The Ability Learning Centre,
Rexdale Womens Centre, LINC
 Donato Salons donates free haircut to
program graduates
Annual Report | Page 4
THE DRESS SHOP
The Dress Shop
BFCO launched its social purpose enterprise, formerly Windfall Brides, in the fall of 2010. Our wedding
boutique sells new, donated wedding dresses and formal gowns to the public while offering real-life job
training for marginalized people. Every year, 12 individuals receive employment basics training in all
aspects of retail.
The bridal industry is competitive but as Canada’s only social purpose enterprise bridal outlet, we have
received accolades and recognition from local news features (Guardian, Share, SNAP) and live coverage from
national media (BT, Global TV).
The commitment of our job placements trainees who always deliver the best in customer service and
experience has helped to establish our solid business reputation over the last three years; and we will build
on this strong foundation to be THE chosen outlet for bridal, prom and cocktail dresses.
Thank you to funders Toronto Enterprise Fund, State Street Foundation, Mackenzie Investments Charitable
Foundation; and to our lead dress donors – White Toronto, Venus Bride, Mina Ritche, Marita’s Brides, Bella’s
Brides, Windsor Bridal and Best For Brides.
HIGHLIGHTS






Annual Prom Sale event raised $15,000
Prom Sale was featured on Global TV
Toronto Enterprise Fund 3-year grant renewal
LIFT Foundation secured for strategic development support
Third party event hosted by Jeanne Lottie
Annual Report | Page 5
KIDS’ BASICS PROGRAM
Kids’ Basics Program
BFCO has developed a structured program of children’s product acquisition that assists us in meeting the
ongoing and increasing demand for new children’s clothing and other basic-needs items. The kids’ program
includes the following: Kids’ Basics, Winter Basics Kids; School Basics and Jo’s Comfort Packs.
2.6 million people live in Toronto, one of the most prosperous cities in the world, yet 23% live in poverty.
29% of Toronto children live in low-income families. Children are our most valued resource but thousands
go without the basic necessities -- school supplies, books, toys, clothing, footwear, coats, etc. Our generous
retail partners, donors and ambassadors continue to bring in donations through annual corporate drives
(winter essentials), third party events (e.g. annual golf tournament), corporate team days (backpack drives)
and financial support through private funders. Increasing public awareness of child poverty in our own
backyard, and the blocks that this lack creates to fully participating in school and other activities, is key in
helping us build engagement and donations to our kids’ program. Without the basics, children cannot grow
to their potential.
Special thanks to our ongoing Kids’ Basics donors – Charger Foundation, Joanne Dereta, Bell, GAP Inc.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Distributed 1,500 backpacks
and comfort packs
 BELL, GAP Inc., supported our
“back to school” drives (588)
 10th Annual Charger Foundation
golf tournament raised $25K
enabling us to purchase 1,000
new winter coats for children
living in shelters
Annual Report | Page 6
ODSP PARTNERSHIPS
ODSP Partnerships
Poverty has a direct impact on mental health. And for individuals with mental and physical barriers
compounded with poverty, it is overwhelming to face on their own. We strive to empower them and help
them to build their talents, which are often overlooked. We have built strategic alliances with partners such
as Community Living Toronto (CLT); Ontario Disability Support Programs (ODSP); City of Toronto (Investing
In Neighborhoods); George Brown College Augmented Preparatory Studies; and Partner Agencies (e.g.
CAMH); providing employment programs and job training placements to individuals with:





Intellectual Challenges
Physical Challenges
Mental Challenges
Community Service Orders
Addictions
The consistency of a secure and safe work environment provides reassurance and support needed for
learning basic back-to-work job skills such as, attendance, time management, completing tasks, and
following guidelines. We are exploring the expansion of this program to include more in-depth job
development and placements within the mainstream workforce.
Community Living Toronto (CLT)
Individuals with intellectual challenges are offered job
training and opportunities to gain practical experience;
assisting them with integration into a mainstream work
environment.
Community Placements
We teach clients from community agencies basic back-towork skills through placements in the warehouse or in
administrative capacities.
Annual Report | Page 7
NEW PARTNERSHIPS
New Partnerships
Rogers Uptown
This unique initiative started with a generous donation of surplus cell phones (and phone cards/vouchers)
from Toronto’s leading cell phone retail distributor – Rogers Uptown. We offered the phones immediately to
all our employment basics program clients and placements because we know that having access to a phone
while job hunting is essential – a luxury for those that cannot afford one. And for our clients with children, a
phone provides peace of mind and added safety knowing they can be reached at any time. Cell phones are a
“life line” and providing this invaluable tool for FREE provides immeasurable benefits to our clients. We
have expanded this offer to all our partner agencies.
HIGHLIGHTS
 Caledon Ski Club, Devil’s
Glen Ski Club donate ski
jackets
 Cascades Inc. comes on
as supporter
 Rogers Uptown
 30% increase in GAP, Old
Navy and Banana
Republic donations
Annual Report | Page 8
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Client Testimonials
“I have been here in Canada for the last three years. I could not buy a new shirt or new pants. I went to Value
Village each time I needed a shirt or pant to buy. Today I received new shirts, pants and even a complete suit
with tie. Today’s experience is amazing and I am really, really overwhelmed with happiness. Thank you
Suitable Impressions. Thanks a lot.” - Ahmed
Suitable Impressions workshop at BFCO taught me a few things about my appearance that I had never really
taken into consideration before. I appreciate the staff who put so much effort into making this workshop as
helpful and as knowledgeable as possible. Thank You! - Sabera
“I found that this was a very helpful program not only helped with clothes it helped with ways to de-stress.
Which is a lot more helpful than some may think.” -
Shavna
“I enjoyed my day, everyone was warm and welcoming. The information offered today was very informative
and helpful and helps me to take my mind away from the stresses of life even for a few hours. I would also
like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the beautiful clothing to start my new journey”. - Nicole
“I really have a good experience in the Suitable Impression. I was received well. I am happy to find clothing
that I can wear to present myself in an interview. I am really thankful for the organization in providing this
service which put a smile on someone’s face like me today. Thank you all.” - Frances
“Before I began working at BFCO’s dress shop, I felt like a fish out of water. I was getting some help from other
agencies to find work but I felt like I didn’t deserve to work. I no longer feel like that and I don’t feel afraid
anymore. I am more confident and capable now.” - Gemma M.
“Working at BFCO has made a significant impact on my life. Since working here, I have a new sense of self. I
feel more empowered. I am surrounded by a great group of people who support me and believe in me. Ever
since I started, they have made me feel very welcome and part of the group. I never felt like an insider before. I
get excited when I know I am going to work. It doesn’t feel like a workplace. It feels like family!” - Alexis P.
“BFCO gives people the opportunity to be all that they can be because when they come here, something
happens. There is something here – acceptance, encouragement and support; it makes you feel powerful. You
accept it and pass it on. You realize that the impossible is possible!” - Kamila B.
Annual Report | Page 9
AGENCY TESTIMONIALS
Agency Testimonials
"Your program has provided our students with the confidence to begin their search for employment. The
new clothing provided is what our clients seek. Our clients have advised us that this program offers great
supports such as a personal trainer and a fashion consultant providing great advice. This program has
contributed to our clients’ success." - St. Stephen's Community House
“The Suitable Impressions program is fantastic. Here at the John Howard Society of Toronto we advocate for
our clients in our Pre-Employment Programs to attend this workshop, as one of their final steps in
preparation for a successful interview and ultimately in securing employment. We have referred 30+ clients
to this wonderful program and everyone who has attended has given very positive feedback, in terms of the
knowledge this program gives and especially the clothing they have received. Cindy, of Suitable Impressions,
presents a great workshop highlighting the value and importance of appearance and first impressions when
meeting with a potential employer. The clothes and grooming products and services that our clients have
received are top notch! We are so excited that we are able to offer this wonderful service to our clients!” -
John Howard Society of Toronto
“Suitable Impressions has been a source of great confidence for my clients. The feedback has been nothing
but positive; from the products provided to the customer service, Suitable Impressions has allowed clients
to access fantastic resources and services while improving/maintaining dignity and self-esteem.” - Angela
Conjaerts, Ability Learning Network
“Suitable Impressions has been extremely helpful in assisting my clients in developing the confidence and
ability to gain and maintain employment. Through this workshop my clients have learned about how to
make a great first impression, the importance of non-verbal communication, how to manage their finances
and tips and tricks on making a lasting impression.” - Andrew Attwell, Ability Learning Network
We thank BFCO and the donors for the hard work and generosity in putting together backpacks filled with
school supplies for families living in poverty. Just imagine being a parent and having to choose between
buying food or school supplies for your children because you can't afford to do both. Or imagine being that
child who heads off to school in September without the basics to bring. Also, thank you for getting these
ready in time to get out to our families in need in time for the school start and to relieve their worry that
they won't have anything for their child on that day. ” - Macaulay Child Development Centre
Annual Report | Page 10
DONOR TESTIMONIALS
Donor Testimonials
GAP Inc. Canada
“The best part of BFCO is, without a doubt, the
people – their smiles, laughter, and
commitment to helping others. I volunteer
knowing that I’ve helped families across the
GTA gain access to clothing and necessary
supplies. BFCO is always consistent in their
pick-up process and make it very easy for me
to arrange. I know that all items we donate will
not be wasted and all money raised goes to a
good cause throughout the GTA.”
Joanne Dereta, Stonegate Private Counsel
“I have been a supporter and donor of BFCO for nearly 10
years now and have watched this wonderful organization
grow dramatically and expand its vision of helping those
in need. They helped me design and develop my own
vision and program. Jo’s Comfort Packs program was
designed to provide brand new backpacks full of new and
individual comforting items, like brand new mittens, PJs,
books and toys, for children finding themselves in
homeless shelters. I have full confidence that my donation
is put to the best possible use helping vulnerable children,
and love that BFCO has initiated ways to expand and
leverage my program thereby making the most of my
donations for as many children as possible. I encourage
other donors to consider supporting the invaluable
programs at BFCO.”
Annual Report | Page 11
PROGRAM STATISTICS
Program Statistics
Social Purpose Enterprise (Boutique) Participants
Clothing and other item donors
Clothing and other items processed
Community Living Toronto (CLT) Program Participants
Number of clients served
ODSP Participants receiving clothing
ODSP Program Participants in Employment Basics Program
Retail Value (Donations)
Student Placements
Suitable Impressions Participants
Volunteer Hours
Volunteers
Annual Report | Page 12
12
200
900,000
20
64,000
3,700
40
$42,000,000
2
300
3,000
60
STAFF DIRECTORY
Staff Directory
HELEN HARAKAS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Helen@brandsforcanada.com
TANYA SYROKOMSKAYA
OFFICE MANAGER
Tanya@brandsforcanada.com
LEA FRENZA
ASSISTANT MANAGER, THE
DRESS SHOP
Lea@brandsforcanada.com
Annual Report | Page 13
TRIA URNOM
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Tria@brandsforcanada.com
KAREN STEMMLER
MARKETING & DIGITAL
COMMUNICATIONS
MANAGER
Karen@brandsforcanada.com
MARTHA AMAYA
INVENTORY ASSISTANT
Martha@brandsforcanada.com
CINDY ROEMER
PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
Cindy@brandsforcanada.com
ALED OMER
OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR
Aled@brandsforcanada.com
STAFF DIRECTORY
Staff Directory
SHARON BAYER
COMMUNITY LIVING
TORONTO
SUPERVISOR
JULIE Y, STEPHANIE I,
KAMILLA B, SUSAN K
(FULL-TIME PLACEMENTS)
AMY GUAN
COMMUNITY LIVING
TORONTO
SUPERVISOR
MIKE
COMMUNITY LIVING
TORONTO (FULL-TIME
PLACEMENT)
ORAL
COMMUNITY LIVING
TORONTO (FULL-TIME
PLACEMENT)
TYRONE
ALEXIS
GEMMA
(PART-TIME)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LORRAINE CUMMING
PRESIDENT
DONNA CANSFIELD
VICE-PRESIDENT
FRANK RIZZI
TREASURER
STEPHEN THOMAS
SECRETARY
AMOL DHILLON
CHARLOTTE ROUSE
GEORGE BECK
IAN WEBSTER
LEONIE TCHATAT
Annual Report | Page 14
Brands For Canada Ontario
29 Connell Court, Unit 3
Toronto, ON M8Z 5T7
Tel: 416.703.8435
Fax: 416.703.8437
www.brandsforcanada.com
Charitable Registration Number: BN 13540 1180 RR0001
Annual Report | Page 15