Frequently Asked Questions
Our organization's journey began with a small yet profound idea, born out of the challenges faced by our community members. We recognized the time-consuming nature of listing numerous items on free Facebook groups and the hassles of coordinating pick-ups, often leading to frustrations when neighbors didn't show up or canceled last-minute. It struck us: why not create a solution that simplifies this process and fosters genuine connections among neighbors, rather than a mere transactional exchange?
With that vision in mind, we decided to host our first-ever free giveaway event, where individuals could donate their items all in one place and, more importantly, connect with their neighbors. Little did we know that this small idea would generate an overwhelmingly positive response. The community's enthusiasm was contagious, and soon, multiple people were eagerly asking when the next event would be.
What began as a small idea blossomed into a grand gesture of community support and connection. We realized that by coming together and embracing the spirit of giving, we could make a significant impact in our neighborhoods. This transformative experience laid the foundation for our organization, and we've been dedicated to fostering connections and making a positive difference ever since. Thank you for being a part of our journey!
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing our local low-income community with free or low and affordable essentials like clothing, household items, hygiene products, books, and more. . Our mission is to foster a sense of community, reduce waste, and provide affordable options for those facing financial constraints. Join us in making a positive impact in your neighborhood and beyond!
At the heart of our organization, we hold dear a set of core values that define who we are and guide our every action.
These values include honesty, which forms the foundation of our interactions and communications with our community.
Transparency is essential to us; we believe in openness and accountability in all that we do.
Inclusivity is a fundamental principle, ensuring that everyone is welcome, valued, and respected, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Kindness is woven into our approach, driving us to treat one another with compassion and empathy.
However, the cornerstone of our organization's mission is the act of giving. We believe that by giving back to our community, we can create positive change, strengthen bonds, and uplift those in need.
These core values not only shape our organization's culture but also drive us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our neighbours.
Thank you for sharing in these values and joining us in our mission to create a better, more connected community.
Our non-profit organization is rooted in the vibrant community of Ottawa, Ontario.
Our local giveaway events are primarily based in the Ottawa region. We take immense pride in being a part of this wonderful community and are committed to serving our neighbours here.
As we continue to grow, we aim to expand our reach and impact across Ottawa.
Thank you for being a part of our journey to make a positive difference in our local and extended communities!
The lifeblood of our organization lies in the generosity of our supporters, like you. We primarily fund our activities and initiatives through the gracious monetary donations we receive from individuals who share our vision for a more connected and supportive community. Your contributions make a tangible impact in realizing our mission.
In addition to your generous donations, there are times when our dedicated team invests their personal resources to ensure the success of our initiatives. We are passionate about what we do, and we are committed to making a difference.
Our thrift fundraisers, baked goods and jewelry sales have become a valuable asset in helping us achieve our expansion goals as well.
Furthermore, we are grateful for any free opportunities that come our way, as they allow us to maximize our impact without additional financial burden.
Your continued support, whether through donations, personal investments, or simply by being part of our community, is the driving force behind our initiatives. We couldn't do it without you, and we appreciate your unwavering commitment to our cause.
Thank you for making a positive impact alongside us!
Neighbour to Neighbour was founded and is run by me, Michelle Brady. I’m a single mother of two teenage daughters, juggling multiple jobs alongside building this nonprofit, and I pour my heart into this work because community care genuinely matters to me.
I’m supported by my partner, Jon, who helps manage and support the organization behind the scenes and shares the same commitment to giving back.
My daughters also join us at times to help with giveaway events. I am very lucky that giving back runs in the family!
I’m also incredibly grateful for the neighbours and community members who volunteer their time whenever they’re able — this work wouldn’t be possible without that shared support.
Neighbour to Neighbour isn’t a large team or a polished operation. It’s a people-first, community-driven effort built on care, trust, and showing up for one another.
What truly distinguishes Neighbour to Neighbour is our signature giveaway events.
While loyalty programs, discounts, and online groups offer ways to pass things along, we focus on creating in-person giveaway events that foster real connection. These are spaces where neighbours come together to give and receive with dignity, without the transactional pressure that often exists elsewhere.
In addition to free essentials, we occasionally host thrift fundraisers to help sustain our work. Items are priced intentionally low — regardless of brand, size, or trend — so they remain accessible and fair for everyone. We also offer homemade baked goods and simple handmade jewelry at these events, created with care and offered as optional ways to support future community initiatives.
We also provide donation pick-ups whenever possible, making it easier for neighbours to give and ensuring contributions reach those who truly need them.
At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to building a stronger, more connected community — one rooted in trust, care, and mutual support. Thank you for being part of this journey and helping us make a difference where it matters most.
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to reach out to us. You can get in touch with us through various channels:
- Facebook Messaging: Feel free to send us a message on Facebook, and we'll get back to you promptly - www.facebook.com/neighbourtoneighbourottawa
- Email: You can reach us via email at neighbourtoneighbourinfo@gmail.com. We'll respond to your inquiries as soon as we can.
- Contact Form: Find our contact form at the bottom of every page on our website. Fill it out with your message or questions, and we'll be sure to reply.
- Website Chat: You can also use our chat service directly on our website for quick assistance or inquiries.
- Visit Us at Our Events: For face-to-face interactions, we invite you to visit us directly at our events. It's an excellent opportunity to connect in person, learn more about our mission, and get involved in our community initiatives.
We're here to listen, assist, and connect with you in whichever way is most convenient for you. Your feedback, questions, and support are invaluable to us, and we look forward to hearing from you!
You can always reach out directly. We’re human, approachable, and open to conversation — questions and feedback are welcome.
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do.
We believe in giving both people and items more than just a second chance. By extending the life of donated goods — whether through reuse, redistribution, or upcycling — we help reduce waste and keep usable items out of landfills.
When items aren’t suitable for resale or giveaway, we do our best to creatively upcycle them whenever possible, finding new purpose instead of discarding them. This intentional approach helps lower our environmental impact while staying aligned with our values of care and responsibility.
Thank you for being part of this eco-conscious journey as we work toward a more sustainable future for our community and our planet.