The Journey of a Dollar: Where Does the Money Go?

Have you ever wondered where your money goes after making a purchase from our online thrift store? Well, let me take you on a journey to show you exactly where every dollar ends up.

The first stop on our journey is shipping. Yes, it's a necessary expense, and trust me, if there was a way to avoid it or charge less, I would do it in a heartbeat. But alas, shipping costs are inevitable, and they devour a significant portion of the funds we receive. Without them, I'd have to charge exorbitant shipping fees that would likely deter customers.

Once shipping is taken care of, the remainder of the money goes towards supporting the various events we host. These events are vital for our community outreach efforts, and they require funds for advertising materials like posters, flyers, brochures, as well as basic supplies like sharpies, tape, and printer ink. As much as possible, I try to handmake everything to minimize expenses.

But it doesn't stop there. The funds also cover transportation costs for picking up donations and delivering them to those in need who might not have the means to transport items themselves. Additionally, we provide free water bottles at our events, especially crucial during hot summer days to prevent dehydration.

Currently, I host events at home to save on expenses, but my ultimate goal is to become more mobile. I dream of renting a van or truck to set up anywhere in Ottawa or securing an indoor location during the winter months. This mobility would allow us to reach even more people in need and expand our impact on the community.

During the holiday season, some of the monetary donations are poured into creating Christmas baskets for families with children. It's heartwarming to see the joy and relief on their faces when they receive these gifts, knowing that the community has come together to support them during challenging times.

It's important to note that all funds received through our initiatives are kept separate from my personal finances. Neighbour to Neighbour is its own entity, dedicated solely to serving the community and helping those in need. I hold the trust of the community in high regard and strive to maintain a transparent and accountable approach to our operations.

To everyone who has supported Neighbour to Neighbour, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, I extend my heartfelt thanks. Your generosity and compassion make a tangible difference in the lives of the families we assist, and for that, we are truly grateful. Together, we are building a stronger, more caring community, one dollar at a time. Thank you.