CORNWALL, ONT. –
A new partnership in Cornwall, Ontario. is set to launch a used furniture store that promotes cycling and raises funds for the two nonprofits involved.
Furniture Partners is a collaboration between Center Agape and Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & the Counties.
“This new store is a way to raise funds for both of our organizations through the sale of used furniture,” said Lisa Duprau, General Manager of Center Agape, the city’s largest food bank and soup kitchen.
The store is stocked with items like dining sets, sofas and chairs, dressers, and other household items.
It promotes upcycling, with plans to keep used furniture that still has a lot of life to give out of landfills in the area.
“We have various antique pieces that still need a bit of work, other pieces of furniture just need a lick of paint or a new doorknob and they’re good to go,” notes Duprau.
Leigh Taggart, executive director of Habitat for Humanity, says they were running out of space in their restoration store with furniture donations.
“We found that we were actually bringing too much stuff to the landfill free store and we really wanted to divert more product from it,” Taggart said.
“Reaching out to Agape, who has a lot of the same kind of interests as us, it just seemed like a natural extension of both programs,” she added.
The partnership has been ongoing for a year and the team recently managed to find an empty storefront at 327 Montreal Road. to revamp.
“It’s the Village area, so the city is focused on raising awareness in that part of town and opening more stores, so it’s a good option for us to help out the city as well,” said Duprau said.
“We actually have great community support, we received a Ghost Walk grant for charity and the City of Cornwall to help offset some of our initial costs,” Taggart said.
The price of furniture in the store will depend on the condition of the item.
“There will also be pieces here for people who just need something a little more affordable,” Taggart said. “It’s really going to depend on the article, so I think there’s a big sliding scale for that.”
“Everyone is always looking for a good affordable option. It’s a great way to spruce up your home to make things look a little different and it’s budget-friendly,” she added.
With the cost of living rising, the team is looking for a way to stretch that dollar for people in need in the area.
“The ever-increasing housing and food costs in this community are a real barrier for some people,” Duprau said. “Any new partnership or any other way of raising funds is certainly of interest to us.”
“We both provide essential services to the most vulnerable people in our community, so when people need help, agape is there to provide those basics such as food, clothing and shelter, a stable and affordable housing,” added Taggart.
“It’s a great first step for both of us and we’ll see where it takes us,” she added.
Major furniture donations will still be accepted at the Agape Center and the Habitat for Humanity Restoration Store.
“Our staff will decide whether he stays or is moved to this site,” Taggart said.
Furniture Partners is set to hold a soft launch opening on Wednesday, March 9, with their grand opening to be held in April. Their hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
More information about the store can be found on the Furniture Partners Facebook page.
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