Annual Report 2014-2015

2014
ANNUAL REPORT
2015
0
2
YEARS
of success
stories
Recover goods, reintegrate people.
0
2
ANNIVE
RSA
RY
th
MEMBERS OF THE 2014-2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THIS YEAR RENAISSANCE TURNED 20.
FOUNDED ON NOVEMBER 1 4 , 1 994 ,
THE JOB TRAINING ENTERPRISE
WELCOMED THE FIRST PARTICIPANTS
IN THE SPRING OF 1995, AND OPENED
ITS FIRST FRIPE-PRIX AT 7250 SAINTLAURENT BOULEVARD, IN MONTREAL
IN JUNE, 1995.
The Board of Directors of Renaissance is comprised of community members,
as well as the CEO of the organization who is a non-voting member. The
board’s members have varied and complimentary skills and talents. They
manage the business side of the organization, and exercise the powers
established by law. The directors are all volunteers and have met five times
this year.
Mr. Yvon Arseneault
Mrs. Sheila Murphy
President
Director
Mrs. Janine
DESROSIERS-CHOQUETTE
Mr. Robert Potvin
Vice-President
De Grandpré Chait s.e.n.c.r.l.
Director
Mr. Yves PrÉvost
Mr. Paul-AndrÉ Lazure
Prévost Notaires
Secretary
Avison Young
Director
Mrs. Chantal ClouAtre
Mr. Pierre Legault
Simplex Equipment Rental
Treasurer
CEO
Mr. Daniel Binette
BFL Canada
Director
RENAISSANCE
IN NUMBERS
10 FRIPE PRIX STORES
13 DONATION CENTRES
5 BOOKSTORES/DONATION CENTRES
2 SPECIALIZED BOUTIQUES/DONATION CENTRES
1 LIQUIDATION CENTRE
1 DISTRIBUTION CENTRE
1 TRAILER (MOBILE DONATION CENTRE)
8 TRUCKS
307 PERMANENT EMPLOYEES
81 VOLUNTEERS
In the photo for left to right from the top: Mrs. Zineb Aboussaâd (assistant to the CEO), Mr. Pierre Legault,
Mrs. Chantal Clouâtre, Mr. Yves Prévost, Mr. Daniel Binette, Mr. Paul-André Lazure, Mr. Robert Potvin,
Mrs. Sheila Murphy, Mr. Yvon Arseneault and Mrs. Janine Desrosiers-Choquette.
A JOINT MESSAGE FROM
THE PRESIDENT AND THE CEO
WHO HAS EVER OBSERVED AN ANTHILL KNOWS HOW MUCH ENERGY
ANYONE
AND PERSEVERANCE ITS MEMBERS CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR COMMUNAL
ENVIRONMENT, UNDETERRED BY HAZARDS AND BAD WEATHER. ON A LARGER
SCALE, THE TEAM AT RENAISSANCE WORKED HARD AGAIN THIS YEAR, WITH THE
COMMON GOAL TO CONTINUE THE GROWTH OF AN ORGANIZATION WHERE
EVERYONE CAN FIND THEIR PLACE.
e’ve had a large number of women and men arrive here
looking for a better life, some having hope in their eyes,
others fearing another failure. Our socio-professional
and management teams accompanied them, advised,
trained, and motivated them. They encouraged the strong points and corrected the
weaker ones. In short, they supported the participants in their efforts to regain
control of their lives. The results are convincing: our participants reached a placement or return to school rate of 80.19% for the year of 2014-2015.
These hundreds of success stories would not be possible without the economic
activity at Renaissance; notably the sale of used goods, which allows the organization to be 83% self-financed. The success of Renaissance rests in large part within
the delicate balance which it has been able to maintain between its social mission,
its business model, and its environmental action. This environmental intervention
is significant; over the past year Renaissance recovered 15,905,645 pounds of used
consumer goods, diverting them from landfills, and reducing the stress on residual
waste management.
Yvon Arseneault
President
Pierre Legault
CEO
It may seem like a lot, but it is still not enough. To maintain the programs and to improve
and expand them to include more participants and underserved clients, Renaissance must
also develop its network of thrift stores and consequently its donation collection system.
These past few years, the supply of used goods has become a major focal point because the
competition is becoming more and more fierce. New players from the private sector, which
sometimes maintain a “charitable” façade, have joined the growing list of recovery organizations. Renaissance is betting on the development of its network of Donation Centres to
stand out. The Donation Centres are well located, safe, and easily accessible locations where
the donors are welcomed, and staff are well informed and helpful. The organization has also
improved on the original concept: certain Donation Centres also now double as Specialized
Boutiques, notably in women’s fashion, thus allowing the donors and clients to find everything under one roof. In order to ensure an optimal shopping experience for its clients,
Renaissance has also expanded its Fripe-Prix stores on de l’Église and Saint-Jacques Streets.
Retail commerce is in full mutation. Several chains have fallen victim to this trend: Mexx, Target
and especially Jacob. Jacob was a longtime partner that we regretted losing, and we are very
grateful for the nine wonderful years of collaboration. Renaissance has to remain attentive
to these changes and adapt consequently. During the year, the organization has formed new
partnerships with Minitrade, Chaussures 22, and the “réseau québécois des centres de
formation en entreprise et récupération” to open new avenues for recovery.
The wheel of reintegration, which while turning propels the unemployed towards the workforce, functions smoothly only in
conjunction with renewable energies: that of the members of the Board of Directors, the volunteers, our partners, and especially
our marvelous employees who support the economic activity and the socio-professional integration, as well as the participants
whose will and determination are our driving force. Thank you to all, and long live Renaissance!
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
1
MISSION
A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHOSE MISSION IS TO
RENAISSANCE ISFACILITATE
THE SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL REINTEGRATION
OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY ENTERING THE WORKFORCE, WHILE
MAINTAINING A COMMITMENT TO TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT.
RENAISSANCE, A MODEL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
As a job training organization, Renaissance has an economic component
(the recovery and resale of used consumer goods), which finances its
services of job training and workforce reintegration. Renaissance adheres to a
triple purpose which colors its approach to sustainable development with
particular nuances:
Social: Renaissance helps people reintegrate into the workforce.
Environmental: Renaissance recovers used goods and promotes their re-use
through its Fripe-Prix stores, its bookstores, and Specialized Boutiques.
Economic: Renaissance reinvests the revenue generated by its stores to support
its mission. This growing business model also contributes to the development of its
services while increasing the re-use of used consumer goods and offering these goods
to people on limited budgets.
Renaissance’s environmental impact is considerable, because the
organization diverts millions of tons of reusable goods from landfill
sites annually. This commitment to sustainable development has also
led Renaissance to become a Brundtland Green Establishment.
RECOGNITION BY RECYC-QUÉBEC
Renaissance’s action in the management of residual waste has been awarded
a level 2 certification from the Ici on recycle program from Recyc-Québec.
This recognition, valid for two years, salutes the efforts undertaken by
Renaissance to increase re-use and to sensitize its teams about sound
management of residual waste.
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
2
“The Human dimension
is an integral part of
Renaissance and is
present at all levels.
This dimension is as
important as the numbers,
and is much more
rewarding every day.”
T
he Financial Services and Information Technology department includes
three sections: accounting and
payroll, information technology
and statistics for the socio-professional
services, and the reception desk at the
Head Office. Dominic’s primary mandate,
with the collaboration of his team, is to
ensure the long-term viability of the organization. “Thanks to its well-defined structure
and solid foundation, it is possible to keep
Renaissance on the right trajectory for the
future.” Dominic’s daily responsibilities are
numerous, including overseeing the protection of all the assets of the organization.
“My philosophy is to always keep smiling,
no matter what is happening. This attitude
helps me to meet the daily challenges of
maintaining a balance among the three
aspects of Renaissance: social, environmental and economic.” Two participants are
trained each year in Dominic’s department.
The participant enrolled in the six-month
bookkeeping training program helps the
team by performing various tasks such as
the rectification of deposits, the treatment
of payable invoices, handling phone calls,
etc. “During the whole training session, my
team and I, in collaboration with the socioprofessional counsellor, train the participant to improve his employability. We also
offer support in job searches and with interview simulations. By the end of the training, the participant becomes autonomous
and efficient in completing daily tasks. It is
therefore difficult to let him go. We are very
happy though, when we learn that the participant has found a job, because then we can
say mission accomplished!”
Dominic
DESBIENS
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
3
R E I N T E G R AT I O N
TO CHANGE LIVES
OF RENAISSANCE IS TO HELP PEOPLE WHO ARE
THE
MAIN
PURPOSE
UNEMPLOYED TO DEVELOP FAVORABLE ATTITUDES
AND TO EQUIP THEM WITH PROFESSIONAL SKILLS SO THAT THEY CAN FIND A
JOB, KEEP IT AND CONSEQUENTLY REGAIN THEIR AUTONOMY AND THE POWER TO
IMPROVE THEIR LIVES.
THE JOB TRAINING PROGRAM: A TWENTY-SIX WEEK JOURNEY, FROM EXCLUSION TO AUTONOMY
Since 1995, Renaissance has been a member of the “Collectif des entreprises d’insertion du Quebec”, which has fifty
member organizations throughout the province. Even if their economic activities differ, their training and placement
services have many points in common.
At Renaissance, each participant follows a twenty-six week paid training program comprising a theoretical and practical experience in one of the following areas: retail sales, housekeeping, stock handling, office work or bookkeeping.
During the training, the participant is supported by a multidisciplinary team which includes a socio-professional
counsellor and management staff from the work site.
The counsellor ensures that the participant acquires the attitudes and reflexes to facilitate his integration into
the workforce, accompanies him in the pursuit of his goals, and oversees that the training unfolds as well as possible.
The goal of the management team at the work site is to help the participant on the job to develop the knowledge and
skills necessary for employment.
The teamwork of the counsellor and the management team guarantees balance in the training where both the social
and the profession skills of the individual are valued. In short, the placement results speak for themselves: this year
80.19% of the participants returned to work or studies after completing the training at Renaissance!
The insertion
numbers:
80.19% PLACEMENT RATE
190 PARTICIPANTS WERE PLACED DURING 2014-2015
155 GOT A JOB
35 RETURNED TO SCHOOL
3,157 PLACEMENTS SINCE THE BEGINNING
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
4
É
“My training at
Renaissance helped
me to grow. I got to
know myself and gained
self-confidence.”
É
lizabeth worked for twenty-eight
years as an orderly before professional training became a necessity.
Due to the sale of the convent
where she worked, Élizabeth lost
her job and received severance pay for two
years. Because she did not want to return
to school to get her diploma, Élizabeth followed a four-month employment assistance
program. It was her trainer who advised
her to enrol in the job training program
at Renaissance. Élizabeth had a difficult
time at the beginning of the course as a
sales clerk-sorter-cashier. She felt a bit rusty because she had not worked for a long
time. “Everything was new for me and I was
lacking confidence.” Élizabeth wanted to
quit the program after the first two weeks
because she didn’t believe that she would
be able to complete it. “Thanks to the support of the management team and my trainer, I learned to know myself and gained
self-confidence. They didn’t let go of me
for a minute and I really appreciate it. The
whole team urged me to persevere and go
beyond the hardships. Thanks to this support, I continued my training and I have
no regrets. Finally, I have grown and I really
liked my experience. Being a very sociable
person, I discovered I have an interest in
customer service.” Since October 2014,
Élizabeth works as a cashier at the IGA in
Alexis-Nihon Plaza. “I found the right job
for me! I like the contact with the public
and I communicate easily with the clients.”
Quebec
ÉLIZABETH
CASHIER AT IGA
59 YEARS OLD
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
5
%
75 %
22%
HAVE NO
INCOME
ARE MEMBERS OF A
VISIBLE MINORITY
HAVE BEHAVIORAL
PROBLEMS
45%
ARE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 30-44
years old
76
8
%
ARE HEADS OF SINGLE
PARENT FAMILIES
of our participant
s
The pr
ofile
ARE WOMEN
%
ARE OVER
45 YEARS OLD
84%
%
HAVE NO WORK EXPER IENCE
in qu eb ec
NOTE: A PARTICIPANT CAN EXPERIENCE
MORE THAN ONE SITUATION AT A TIME.
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
6
“My training allowed me
to better understand the
reality of the job market
in Quebec. With this
experience, I had no
trouble to find my
actual job.”
J
Gabon
JEAN MARIUS
UPHOLSTERER AT GROUPE LACASSE
52 YEARS OLD
Jean Marius arrived in Quebec with
his wife and their six children on
October 19, 2012. In Gabon, he
worked in rail transportation and
gradually moved up the ranks. He
had training in civil engineering and as a
technician to drive construction machinery. It was his wife’s idea to leave Gabon. She
wanted a better future for their children.
Upon their arrival here, they spent their
first three days in a hotel and it was the
hotel employees who helped them to find
their first home. Because his diplomas were
not recognized here, Jean Marius approached placement agencies. “My integration
was difficult because I couldn’t get a job.”
Jean Marius turned to Emploi-Québec who
suggested that he follow the job training
program at Renaissance. “My training as a
stock handler went very well. The coaching
and training I received taught me to respect
a work schedule. The whole team helped
me to understand and adapt to the reality
of the job market in Quebec.” In July 2014,
Jean Marius was offered a job as an upholsterer at Groupe Lacasse. “Thanks to Renaissance, I have work experience in Quebec.
Therefore, I did not have trouble to find
this job, and I feel comfortable in the work
I do. I am less stressed and worried. I look
forward to the future with confidence and
optimism. By setting goals and by forcing
myself to reach them, I know that my efforts
will bear fruit. It takes a bit of organization
and discipline” he declared.
RE-USE
TO DO GOOD
RECOVERS A LARGE VOLUME OF USED GOODS AND PROMOTES
RENAISSANCE
THEIR RE-USE (THE SECOND “R” OF THE 4 “R’S”) THROUGH
ITS NETWORK OF THIRTEEN DONATION CENTRES, TEN FRIPE-PRIX STORES, TWO
SPECIALIZED BOUTIQUES, FIVE BOOKSTORES AND ONE LIQUIDATION CENTRE.
IN TOTAL, DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED AT THIRTY-ONE LOCATIONS.
Giving used articles to Renaissance is a gesture of generosity towards others as well as towards the planet. These items
in good condition are diverted from landfill sites. Since the beginning of Renaissance, the resale of these goods has
fueled the economic engine that has enabled Renaissance to help the thousands of people it has integrated into the
workforce.
Renaissance developed the concept of the Donation Centre, which has garnered the support of elected officials and
the population. These centres are clearly identified, located in safe neighborhoods in the heart of the community,
and the donors are welcomed by an attendant. It offers the citizens an ecological way to dispose of their goods and
reduces the environmental footprint of their communities.
Thanks to its thirty-one collection points and its thirty-nine donation bins strategically installed in the nineteen
boroughs and cities in the metropolitan area, Renaissance has rallied 454,447 donors who have helped to finance its
training program in 2014-2015. In such a competitive environment where private enterprises covet used clothing for
profit, it is hoped that support of the social mission is an important motivation to give to Renaissance.
454,447
TOP
1
2
3
4
5
DONOR
S
USELESS DONATIONS
A MORTUARY URN
It was empty, but obviously we did not try to sell it!
A HAMSTER IN A PAPER BAG
It was left at the cash at the Fripe-Prix Renaissance
on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. We brought it to the SPCA.
A BIRD CAGE (BIRD INCLUDED)
They found a good home… with another donor.
DENTURES
Of course, for hygienic reasons, we didn’t sell those.
A WATER METER
The donation centre attendant mistook it as a donation and the water
meter was put for sale at the store on Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
However, it belonged to the City of Montreal and had been
temporarily placed on the counter by a municipal employee.
It was returned to him.
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
8
THE DONATION CAMPAIGNS: THE DONORS ARE STILL AS GENEROUS AS EVER
The arrival of spring or fall is an occasion to clean out closets, the basement and cupboards to dispose of unused items.
Renaissance uses the change of seasons to hold two annual campaigns to promote the importance of re-use as well
as its social mission.
ANTOINE BERTRAND, ISABELLE BOULAY
AND ANTHONY CALVILLO CLEAN UP
In the spring of 2014, Renaissance launched three new
television ads starring Antoine Bertrand and Isabelle
Boulay in French versions and Anthony Calvillo on the
English side. These commercials were designed by Kim
Nguyen, a director recognized for his powerful films.
They are broadcast during the spring and fall campaigns.
In them we see the three Montreal celebrities doing their
seasonal cleanups to benefit Renaissance.
THE RENAISSANCE 2014 CHALLENGE RESULTS
SPRING
Prize for the most donations collected: Verdun
Prize for the most donations collected
per 1000 residents: Dorval
Prize for the highest increase in donations collected
compared to the previous campaign: Ahuntsic-Cartierville
RENAISSANCE PUT THEM TO THE CHALLENGE!
The Renaissance Challenge held during the spring and fall
donation campaigns sets a friendly competition among
nineteen boroughs and cities in the metropolitan area.
The residents are invited to bring their donations to help
their community win one of three prizes.
The tenth and eleventh editions of the Renaissance
Challenge were held in 2014-2015 and consequently
2,591,015 pounds of clothes and other household goods
were diverted from landfills. Compared to last year, the
spring contest recorded an increase of 12.32%, while the
fall one showed 16.81% growth. Renaissance is grateful
to the residents who participated in these events with
tremendous generosity. 100% of their donations support
the training and placement services. Hats off to everyone!
In the picture from left to right:
Mr. Pierre Gagnier, Mayor
of the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough,
Mrs. Rose Laure Estiverne, donation
centre attendant at Lajeunesse
Donation Centre, and Mr. Pierre Legault,
CEO of Renaissance.
SPRING
FALL
Prize for the most donations collected: Verdun
Prize for the most donations collected
per 1000 residents: Dorval
Prize for the highest increase in donations collected
compared to the previous campaign: Plateau-Mont-Royal
FALL
In the picture from left to right:
Mr. Matthew Henri, Verdun
Fripe-Prix Renaissance Manager,
Mr. Jean-François Parenteau, Mayor
of Verdun, and Mr. Pierre Legault,
Renaissance’s CEO.
RENAISSANCE STEPS ONTO THE PODIUM IN NDG
In December 2014, the “Corporation de développement économique communautaire CDN/NDG”
organized the contest “Storefronts in Celebration”
which aimed to beautify and enliven the commercial streets in the neighborhood during the
holidays. The Renaissance Bookstore at 4001
Decarie Boulevard won third place for the
originality of the presentation and careful staging
grouped by theme. In all, thirty
merchants from NDG participated in the contest.
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
9
YOUR DONATIONS BRING JOY AND HOPE!
The holiday season naturally lends itself
to gestures of humanity towards others. To
highlight this time of sharing, Renaissance
invited people to give a second life to their
unused items to offer people without work
a second chance to take their destiny in
hand. Thank you to all our donors for their
generosity at this time and throughout the
year. You are Renaissance!
“Thanks to Renaissance,
I have a promising
future now.”
I
n Burundi, Chantal worked at a
renowned bakery “La Baguette magique”. She had over five years of
experience and had moved up the
ranks. Chantal and her husband
did not feel safe in Burundi and wanted to
offer their children a brighter future. Her
husband arrived in Quebec first. Chantal
and her children came to join him, five years
later in the middle of a snowstorm in 2011.
It was a shock! Chantal could not envision
living here and battling winter. Her search
for work was equally difficult because she
couldn’t find a stable job. She knocked on
many doors which were quickly slammed
shut because of her lack of work experience
in Quebec. She was able to land several
contracts through placement agencies,
but they were all short term. It was one of
Chantal’s former colleagues who suggested
that she follow the job training program at
Renaissance to acquire experience. “In the
beginning, my training as a sales clerk-sorter-cashier was difficult. I had to learn a lot
of things at the same time and adapt to the
fast pace of the work. I felt overwhelmed and
I was afraid I was not up to that level. The
encouragement of the whole team made me
want to stick it out. Because of the support
of the team, I gained self-confidence and
pride in my accomplishments.” Right after
her training, Chantal found a job at the
Bay in the Rockland Centre. She has been
working there since July 2014. “Everything
is going well! I’ve integrated easily into my
team at work, and I’ve had good feedback
from my boss. Thanks to Renaissance, I have
a promising future now, and I see myself
having a career at the Bay.”
Burundi
CHANTAL
CASHIER AT THE BAY
35 YEARS OLD
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
10
A FOURTH COLLECTION POINT IN
CÔTE-DES-NEIGES–NOTRE-DAME-DE-GRÂCE
2 IN 1: RENAISSANCE COMBINES A SPECIALIZED
BOUTIQUE AND A DONATION CENTRE
Since July 2014, a Renaissance Donation Centre welcomes
donors at 6252 Somerled Avenue. It is a fourth collection
point for the residents of the Côte-des-Neiges–NotreDame-de-Grâce borough who can also drop off their
donations at the Renaissance Bookstore at 4001 Decarie
Boulevard, as well as at the Fripe-Prix stores at 6700
Côte-des-Neiges Road and 7205 Saint-Jacques Street.
At the end of April 2014, Renaissance moved its Donation
Centre in Saint-Lambert to 423 Victoria Avenue. At the
same time, it inaugurated its first Specialized Boutique for
women. It is an innovative concept which allows clients
of the store to bring the articles and clothing they no
longer use, and for donors to unearth stylish treasures at
tax-free low prices.
In the wake of the grand opening, a second Donation
Centre opened in June in Sainte-Julie, and as of December it doubles as a Specialized Boutique for women. Both
are at the same address at 1615 chemin du Fer-à-Cheval.
Judging by the positive comments from clients and
donors, both are doing well.
THE FRIPE-PRIX SAINT-JACQUES TORE DOWN SOME WALLS
The Fripe-Prix Saint-Jacques, located at 7205 SaintJacques Street, became the largest of the Renaissance
stores as its surface area went from 7,000 to 14,600
square feet. Two times more space, twice the choice
and bargains, everything doubled except for the prices
which have stayed low and tax-free.
Saturday September 13, 2014, to mark the completion
of the renovations, the clients and community were
invited to the mega Fripe-Prix to discover the friendliness of the store and the abundance of articles available.
Renaissance used this occasion to spoil clients by offering
them a 50% off sale on all merchandise. The event was a
huge success, and as usual, the sales of the day contributed to finance the training and job placement program
at Renaissance.
THE FRIPE-PRIX DE L’ÉGLISE, A MODEL OF EFFICIENCY
The Fripe-Prix was cramped on the ground floor at 1495 de l’Église
in Saint-Laurent, so Renaissance undertook important renovations
thanks in part to a grant given by Recyc-Québec to improve the volume of re-use. By the time the work was completed in November, the
space was completely reconfigured. The installation of a service-elevator meant that the sorting operations could be moved to the basement. The Donation Centre was renovated, and is now more pleasant
for the donors to visit than the loading dock where they previously
dropped off their donations. Part of the space which was cleared out
was used to enlarge the retail surface of the Fripe-Prix store which
went from 7,800 to 8,900 square feet.
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
11
“I now have self-confidence.
I know that I have the
capacities to work and
to fulfill myself
professionally.”
ylvie was a stay at home mother
for twenty-two years in her native
country. Her husband wanted to
leave the Democratic Republic of
Congo to offer their three children a
better education. The whole family arrived
in Quebec on September 26, 2013. They
were able to integrate with the help of a
pastor. About five months later, Sylvie’s husband suggested that she look for work. She
had never thought that one day she would
be able to work. She thought that she was
unable. But her new life in Quebec, and
with the encouragement of her children she
decided to try her luck with the job market.
While out one day, Sylvie and her husband
stopped by the Fripe-Prix on Saint-Jacques
Street. Sylvie spotted the pamphlets on job
training offered at Renaissance. For her,
it was the chance to obtain her first work
experience. She did not delay, and phoned
Renaissance. “My training as a sales clerksorter-cashier went very well. I discovered a
passion for customer service. I also gained
self-confidence. I realized I was much more
than just a mother, and that I had the capacity to work and to develop professionally.
The team is there to help you uncover what
has been hidden within you.” Sylvie now has
a part-time job as a clerk-cashier at the Bay
in downtown Montreal. “I would have preferred a stable, full time job, but I am not
worried. I now have the skills to find a job
that suits me. My future is marvellous. My
husband and children are proud of me.”
Democratic Republic
of Congo
SYLVIE
CLERK-CASHIER AT THE BAY
44 YEARS OLD
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
12
THANK YOU TO JACOB FOR ITS SUPPORT THESE PAST NINE YEARS
The definitive closure of the Jacob boutiques saddened the Renaissance Team. Since 2005, Jacob
has been a precious partner whose principles corresponded to the underlying values of Renaissance.
Each year the company donated a vast quantity of clothing to the delight of Fripe-Prix shoppers. As well, joint promotions helped raise awareness about Renaissance and resulted in the collection of tens of thousands of donations.
It is with sadness that we salute this great enterprise for the last time, and that we must say goodbye to these warmhearted people who we felt privileged to have been able to rely on for nine years.
OLD ELECTRONICS DON’T BELONG IN THE GARBAGE!
Since May 2014, the Renaissance Donation Centres are among the official drop off points of the
Québec Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA-Québec). This non-profit organization,
recognized by Recyc-Québec, is responsible for the recovery and recycling of electronic products in
the province. By associating with EPRA-Québec, Renaissance has the assurance that the old electronics are recycled in a safe and ecological manner.
RENAISSANCE IS ON TV!
Each week, the team of “Pimp mon garage”, broadcast on Canal Vie, transforms a
garage into a livable space. Renaissance participated in thirteen episodes in the
second season, and recovered the items that garage owners wanted to give away.
THE SUCCESS CONTINUES FOR “OSEZ LE DONNER”
During the “Osez le donner” campaign held from the end of April
until the end of May, Rouge fm invites its listeners to donate their
bras to benefit the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. During the
2014 edition, 50,000 still usable bras were given to Renaissance
and supplied the network of Fripe-Prix stores throughout the year.
TIDE CLOTHING DONATION DAYS, A CHANCE TO GIVE TO RENAISSANCE
During a three-week tour in the spring of 2014, the Tide truck visited Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
This was done to celebrate a fresh start with its partner: the non-profit organization Goodwill*. The truck
stopped at Granby Zoo on the weekends of May 24-25, and May 31-June 1. It also stopped at La Ronde
on June 7-8. During these clothing donation days, Tide offered a coupon for new laundry products to
each person who donated used clothing. All the donations collected during these days were given to
Renaissance.
*Renaissance is a member of Goodwill Industries International known as the largest international job training organization.
THESE SHOES FIT RENAISSANCE!
Since June 2014, Renaissance is offering a drop off point for shoes and reusable accessories at the three
Chaussures 22 stores located in Longueuil, Saint-Hubert, and Blainville. Shoppers at Chaussures 22 are invited
to tidy up their closets and to drop off the shoes and accessories they no longer wear to benefit Renaissance.
EVERLASTING BOOKS, FROM ONE HAND TO ANOTHER
The non-profit organization “Les Amis de la Bibliothèque de Montréal”
organizes an annual book sale where residents can purchase low priced
books which were discarded by the network of Montreal libraries. Since
2009, many of the unsold books have been given to Renaissance. The 2014
sale was held April 26-May 4.
Every fall since 1971, volunteers have organized the McGill Book Fair. The
sale funds student scholarships, and also diverts thousands of books from
landfill sites. For the first time, the unsold books were given to Renaissance
this year.
These two partners were thus able to prolong the lifecycle of thousands of
books which found their way to the five Renaissance Bookstores, or one of
the ten Fripe-Prix stores.
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
13
“At the end of my
training, I will be able
to find a stable job
and provide a better
future for my family.”
I
n Haiti, Bien-Aimé taught natural
science and chemistry in the high
schools of Port-au-Prince. At the
same time, he was studying to be
an agronomist. When he got his
diploma, he worked for non-governmental organizations and as a volunteer mentor-trainer. In June 2012, Bien-Aimé left
Haiti with his wife and their two children
following the earthquake which devastated their country. He came to Quebec and
started at zero. He found work as a stock
handler at Sears two months after his arrival. He decided one year later to leave his
job so that he could go back to school and
study geography at UQAM. However, even
with loans and bursaries, he was unable
to support his family. He had to stop
studying and begin looking for work. It was
then that a friend of his wife spoke to him
about Renaissance. Bien-Aimé is currently
training as a housekeeping attendant at
the De l’Église store. “I feel really great
because now, I have a reason to get up in
the morning. I like being part of a team and
to interact with the clients. My training at
Renaissance lets me acquire significant
work experience. At the end of my training
I will be able to find a stable job and provide a better future for my family.” With
the help of his counsellor, Bien-Aimé has
already started to think about his future.
“My goal is to find a job in housekeeping
in the education or health sector. I am
working very hard to reach it.”
Haiti
BIEN-AIMÉ
HOUSEKEEPING ATTENDANT
AT THE DE L’ÉGLISE STORE
44 YEARS OLD
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
14
2
%
FURNITURE
10%
47%
ACCESSORIES
AND JEWELRY
CLOTHING
1
%
RECYCLED PAINT
re-use in
numbers
8%
FOOTWEAR
10
15,905,645
%
BOOKS
22
POUNDS OF CLOTHING AND
OTHER USED HOUSEHOLD
ITEMS WERE DIVERTED FROM
LANDFILL SITES IN 2014-2015;
THAT’S 7,953 TONS!
%
HOUSEHOLD GOODS, HOME DECOR, SPORTS EQUIPMENT,
TOYS AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
7.62 %
INCREASE IN GOODS
DIVERTED FROM LANDFILL
SITES COMPARED TO
LAST YEAR
MINITRADE GIVES TO RENAISSANCE
Minitrade is an online boutique offering the purchase or sale of clothing for children,
women, and maternity. Featuring the latest fashions at low prices, clients can choose
from new or slightly used items, and can also sell the clothing they no longer wear
and replace it with new items. Minitrade gives Renaissance the clothing which does
not meet its standards. The donations from Minitrade help support Renaissance’s job
training program.
A GOOD EXAMPLE OF REDEVELOPMENT
The “réseau québécois des centres de formation en entreprise et récupération” (CFER) develops and promotes a training program which contributes to the creation of school enterprises in support of sustainable development for the
benefit of troubled youth. Through training linked to textile re-use and recycling, the youth at CFER des Patriotes in
Boucherville work to upgrade work clothes which can be sold in the Fripe-Prix Renaissance stores. This corresponds
to Renaissance’s triple mission, as well as the personal and professional development of these young people. Through
a pilot project launched at the Saint-Laurent Boulevard Fripe-Prix, shirts, pants, smocks, and coveralls of excellent
quality were offered to our clients.
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
15
GIVE TO FIGHT
AGAINST POVERTY
AND EXCLUSION
TO THE WORKFORCE OF PEOPLE WHO HAD BEEN EXCLUDED
CONSTITUTES THE MAIN PURPOSE OF RENAISSANCE, BUT
THE
RETURN
THIS MISSION RELIES ON ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION AND A BUSINESS MODEL
WHICH MULTIPLY ITS IMPACT IN THE COMMUNIT Y.
A SECOND LIFE AND A SECOND CHANCE
Giving to Renaissance helps people to rebuild and gain their independence, as well as a place in society. All of the
goods given to Renaissance support the job training program which positively transforms the lives of hundreds of
people excluded from the workforce each year.
SHOPPING THAT IS GOOD FOR ONESELF AND OTHERS
Shopping at Renaissance is a social gesture supporting job training, but it is also a way to obtain essential items at
modest prices and without tax. This also improves the quality of life for families with limited budgets. The articles
given by the community are sorted, ticketed, and sold within the network of seventeen stores and bookstores, and the
liquidation centre. This allows the organization to be 83% self-financing.
EMPLOI-QUÉBEC, A PARTNER FROM THE BEGINNING
The agreement with Emploi-Québec to finance the training team and the salaries of the participants reached 17%
of the total revenue this year. The support which Renaissance has received since 1996 has allowed more than 3,000
people to join the workforce, or return to school. The confidence shown to Renaissance by Emploi-Québec represents ongoing encouragement for the organization and an acknowledgment of the importance of its work in the
community.
VOLUNTEERS WHOSE CHEERFULNESS IS CONTAGIOUS
For many years, Renaissance has welcomed volunteers with mental or physical handicaps. There are now eighty-one
who work in the stores, bookstores and the distribution centre. They participate with energy and effectiveness in the
daily work, and spread joy and warmth. The bonds they create with their colleagues, staff, and participants are like
family. They are supervised by partner organizations such as: the West Montreal Readaptation Centre, the Centre
François-Michelle, the Miriam Centre, the CRDITED de Montréal, the CRDI Gabrielle-Major, the CRDI NormandLaramée, and John Grant High School.
l
Vo
t
n
u
rs
e
e
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
16
thank
you
OUR
PARTNERS
RENAISSANCE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL
ITS PARTNERS AND BENEFACTORS FOR THEIR
SUPPORT, THEIR COMMITMENT, AND THEIR
CONFIDENCE.
HERE IS A LIST OF MANY OF THEM:
Aéroport Montréal-Trudeau
Ahuntsic-Cartierville Borough
Attraction Images for “Pimp
mon garage”
Avison Young
Banque Nationale du Canada
BFL Canada
Caisse d’économie solidaire
Desjardins
Caisse Desjardins de Verdun
CanaDon
CDEC Centre-Nord
CDEC Côte-des-Neiges–
Notre-Dame-de-Grâce
Centre de loisirs
communautaires Lajeunesse
Centre de réadaptation
Lisette-Dupras
Centre François-Michelle
Chantier de l’économie sociale
Chaussures 22
Cira Services médicaux
City of Beaconsfield
City of Dorval
City of Laval
City of Montreal
City of Sainte-Julie
City of Saint-Lambert
Clinique Medisys
Collectif des entreprises
d’insertion du Québec
Collège Édouard-Montpetit
Commerce solidaire
Communauto
Côte-des-Neiges–Notre Dame-de-Grâce Borough
CRDI Gabrielle-Major
CRDI Normand-Laramée
Dans la rue
De Grandpré Chait s.e.n.c.r.l.
Diamond Taxi
Distribution OL
École de la Lancée
École Irénée-Lussier
École le Tournesol
École le Virage
Électrobac
Emploi-Québec
EPRA-Québec
Équation Groupe Conseil
Fondation du Dr Julien
Fondation J.A. DeSève
Goodwill Industries
International
Great-West Life
Grenier populaire
Hamilton Community
Foundation
Investissement Québec
Jacob
Jewish Community Foundation
of Montreal
John Grant High School
Just For Laughs Festival
J.W. McConnell Foundation
Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève
Borough
La Corbeille-Bordeaux Cartierville
LaSalle Borough
Laurier-Dorion Riding
Le Chaînon
Le CRDITED de Montréal
Le Mûrier
L’Équipe SWAP
Les Amis de la Bibliothèque
de Montréal
Les avocats Le Corre
& associés
Les Établissements verts
Brundtland
Les Investigations J. Pesant
Les Petites Mains
McGill Book Fair
McGill University
Mercier–Hochelaga Maisonneuve Borough
Ministère de l’Emploi et
de la Solidarité sociale
Ministère de l’Immigration
et des Communautés
culturelles
Ministère du Développement
durable, de l’Environnement,
de la Faune et des Parcs
Minitrade.ca
Miriam Centre
Moisson Montréal
Montreal Botanical Garden
Musée d’art contemporain
de Montréal
Nettoyeurs Daoust-Forget
Outremont Borough
Papineau Riding
Pensionnat du Saint-Nom de-Marie
Pierrefonds-Roxboro Borough
Piknic Électronik
Plateau-Mont-Royal Borough
Prévost Notaires
Procam Construction
Recyc-Québec
Réseau CFER
Réseau d’investissement
social du Québec
Résidence Les Jardins Millen
Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe aux-Trembles Borough
Rona Le Régional Longueuil
Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie
Rouge fm
RQEÉS-GMR
Saint-Laurent Borough
Selekktus
Simplex Equipment Rental
Social Capital Partners
TechSoup Canada
Tide
Tommy Hilfiger
Town of Mount Royal
Verdun Borough
Ville-Marie Borough
Villeray–Saint-Michel–
Parc-Extension Borough
West Montreal Readaptation Centre
THE SOCIAL ECONOMY HAS GOOD TASTE!
Renaissance hired the caterer Festigoût Resto Traiteur to feed the people during the photo session
for this annual report featuring the five inspiring participants and their success stories. Renaissance chose this caterer because it is another job training centre created by La Corbeille-BordeauxCartierville. The profits generated by this professional caterer, as well as those from the restaurant,
help finance the community grocery store: Le Magasin d’Émilie de La Corbeille. Le Festigoût Resto
Traiteur offers reasonable prices and mouth-watering menus, featuring glazed salmon, home-made
potted pork, and duck confit. Both the restaurant and catering service of La Corbeille-BordeauxCartierville are located at the same address: 5090 Dudemaine Street in Montreal.
ALL OUR
ADDRESSES
HEAD OFFICE
7250 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Montreal (Quebec) H2R 2X9
Tel.: 514-276-3626
information@renaissancequebec.ca
DISTRIBUTION CENTRE
6650 Côte-de-Liesse
Saint-Laurent (Quebec) H4T 1E3
Tel.: 514-904-2737
transport@renaissancequebec.ca
DONATION CENTRES
AHUNTSIC-CARTIERVILLE
2407 Fleury Street East
Montreal (Quebec) H2B 1L1
Tel.: 514-384-3743
9750 Lajeunesse Street
Montreal (Quebec) H3L 2C6
Tel.: 514-388-2223
BEACONSFIELD
42B Saint-Charles Boulevard
Beaconsfield (Quebec) H9W 5Z6
Tel.: 514-426-4765
CÔTE-DES-NEIGES–
NOTRE-DAME-DE-GRÂCE
6252 Somerled Avenue
Montreal (Quebec) H3X 2B6
Tel.: 514-487-4960
DORVAL
707 Lakeshore Drive
Dorval (Quebec) H9S 2B9
Tel.: 514-636-4746
ÎLE-BIZARD–SAINTE-GENEVIÈVE
570 Jacques-Bizard Boulevard
Île-Bizard (Quebec) H9C 2H2
Tel.: 514-626-8741
LASALLE
8459 Newman Boulevard
LaSalle (Quebec) H8N 2Y7
Tel.: 514-367-4746
LAVAL
2770 De la Concorde Boulevard East
Laval (Quebec) H7E 2B4
Tel.: 450-668-2555
5140 Des Laurentides Boulevard
Laval (Quebec) H7K 2J5
Tel.: 450-628-1367
MERCIER–HOCHELAGA-MAISONNEUVE
6002 Sherbrooke Street East
Montreal (Quebec) H1N 1B8
Tel.: 514-256-4764
OUTREMONT
1089 Bernard Avenue
Outremont (Quebec) H2V 1V1
Tel.: 514-279-0380
PIERREFONDS-ROXBORO
4924 Saint-Charles Boulevard
Pierrefonds (Quebec) H9H 3E5
Tel.: 514-620-6421
LAVAL
381 Des Laurentides Boulevard
Laval (Quebec) H7G 2T9
Tel.: 450-663-8060
VERDUN
750 chemin du Golf (Nun’s Island)
Verdun (Quebec) H3E 1A8
Tel.: 514-768-9835
MERCIER–HOCHELAGA-MAISONNEUVE
2030 Pie-IX Boulevard
Montreal (Quebec) H1V 2C8
Tel.: 514-227-2841
BOOKSTORES AND
DONATION CENTRES
RIVIÈRE-DES-PRAIRIES–
POINTE-AUX-TREMBLES
1530 Saint-Jean-Baptiste Boulevard
Montreal (Quebec) H1B 4A4
Tel.: 514-640-0245
CÔTE-DES-NEIGES–
NOTRE-DAME-DE-GRÂCE
4001 Decarie Boulevard
Montreal (Quebec) H4A 3J8
Tel.: 514-486-0185
ÎLE-PERROT
106 Don-Quichotte Boulevard
Île-Perrot (Quebec) J7V 6L7
Tel.: 514-901-0606
PIERREFONDS-ROXBORO
14891 De Pierrefonds Boulevard
Pierrefonds (Quebec) H9H 4M5
Tel.: 514-696-4961
4917 Des Sources Boulevard
Pierrefonds (Quebec) H8Y 3C8
Tel.: 514-684-7691
PLATEAU-MONT-ROYAL
1310 Du Mont-Royal Avenue East
Montreal (Quebec) H2J 1Y5
Tel.: 514-528-9909
TOWN OF MOUNT ROYAL
1244 Beaumont Avenue
Town of Mount Royal (Quebec) H3P 3E5
Tel.: 514-737-0302
SPECIALIZED BOUTIQUES
AND DONATION CENTRES
ROSEMONT–LA PETITE-PATRIE
3200 Masson Street
Montreal (Quebec) H1Y 1Y3
Tel.: 514-376-8836
6960 Saint-Hubert Street
Montreal (Quebec) H2S 2M9
Tel.: 514-274-9666
SAINT-LAURENT
1495 De l’Église Street
Saint-Laurent (Quebec) H4L 2H5
Tel.: 514-747-2635
VERDUN
4261 Wellington Street
Verdun (Quebec) H4G 1V9
Tel.: 514-766-5059
VILLERAY–SAINT-MICHEL–PARC-EXTENSION
7250 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Montreal (Quebec) H2R 2X9
Tel.: 514-906-0804
LIQUIDATION CENTRE
6650 Côte-de-Liesse
Saint-Laurent (Quebec) H4T 1E3
Tel.: 514-904-2737
SAINTE-JULIE
1615 chemin du Fer-à-Cheval
Sainte-Julie (Quebec) J3E 1G3
Tel.: 450-338-1158
SAINT-LAMBERT
423 Victoria Avenue
Saint-Lambert (Quebec) J4P 2J1
Tel.: 450-465-4764
FRIPE-PRIX STORES ALSO
DONATION CENTRES
CÔTE-DES-NEIGES–
NOTRE-DAME-DE-GRÂCE
Plaza Côte-des-Neiges
6700 Côte-des-Neiges Road, room 205
Montreal (Quebec) H3S 2B2
Tel.: 514-733-6330
7205 Saint-Jacques Street
Montreal (Quebec) H4B 1V3
Tel.: 514-484-0145
renaissancequebec.ca
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