Business Does Good: Junk Works Hauls In Donations For Local Kids
This story is part of a series called, Business Does Good, stories about Maritime companies contributing time and money to making their communities stronger.
HALIFAX — A Halifax business is hoping to brighten the holidays by using its brand to help collect gift donations for local kids.
Junk Works Halifax’s “HAULiday” Toy Drive is happening throughout the HRM this month, aiming to boost toy donations to local charities.
CEO Chris Willison says he realized many families were “feeling the pinch” more than usual this year and was moved to do something about it.
“If … there are more children out there that are not going to have the sort of Christmas they would normally want to have or be able to expect, and we can do a little bit to try and make it a little easier and a little better for them, then that’s a great thing to do,” he says.
To accomplish that, earlier this month he organized a toy drive through Junk Works. The company established drop-off locations at businesses around the HRM and has been using its social media to push for donations.
So far, Willison says, they have bags of toys sitting in their warehouse, and he’s heard the collection bins are filling up again.
All of the toys Junk Works collects through the drive will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Canada and the IWK, who will use them to brighten the holidays for kids in the community.
Willison is originally from the United Kingdom and is a lawyer by trade. He and his wife Sherry started JunkWorks in 2018 with the desire to grow a business in their transplanted home.
Willison says his work with Junk Works allows him to meet people every day and that this year’s toy drive is a way to give back to the community he’s come to appreciate so much.
“The people of Nova Scotia are wonderful people and they’re very generous people,” he says. “If we can help them give back a little bit to people who are less fortunate this year, we are so pleased to do it.”
Junk Works will collect donations through its “HAULiday” toy drive until December 21. Donations bins are set up at five locations, spread across the HRM, including:
- Fall River Chiropractic Clinic;
- Leno’s Stop Shop in Elmsdale;
- Toys “R” Us in Dartmouth;
- Nothin’ Fancy Furniture Warehouse in Sackville, and;
- Most Wanted in Cole Harbour
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