In early 2022 there was a community effort to gather clothes for Ukrainians moving into the area in partnership with Ukrainian Diaspora Support Canada. St James Anglican Church hosted a temporary clothing freestore where Ukrainians could get the clothing they needed as they settled in with their host families. In gathering donations our amazing local community responded and provided tons of donations! Many clothes were given to Ukrainians however there were still lots of clothes left over.

Hosting the freestore for Ukrainians and interacting with the community’s response made some of the volunteers aware of the need for clothing among residents in our own local community. This group of volunteers from different churches in the area recognized this need and the idea was born to open up a permanent Clothing Bank for residents of Carleton Place and the surrounding area. Similar to a food bank, the clothing bank is a space where those in need of clothing have an opportunity to get the clothing they need for free.

We officially opened our doors in April 2023 and are so thankful to each and every one of you who has partnered with us so far and made it possible to provide clothes to those in need in our community!! We have had many local businesses, churches, and other organisations here in Carelton Place and Ottawa partner with us a number of ways.