Furniture Bank adapted quickly to launch a socially responsible furniture delivery service following public health guidelines. They have supported over 700 families through the pandemic. The organization implemented changes from their strategic plan sooner than anticipated and saw immediate benefits to their program impacts.

1. Not 24 hours after pausing
operations, Furniture Bank
adapted and launched Canada's
most socially responsible
distanced furniture removal and
delivery service.
Following public health
guidelines, Furniture Bank has
supported over 700 families
and counting through rapid
homing of essential goods.
"We jumped 2 years forward in our strategic plan. Many
of the changes we feared to implement, we [did] to
survive. On implementing them we saw the immediate
benefits to the program impacts."
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www.furniturebank.org

2. In response to COVID-19, the Mennonite New
Life Centre leveraged its IT infrastructure to
launch the MNLCT Newcomer Support App.
The app provides virtual resources to better reach
and support immigrants and refugees in Ontario,
including advice on how to manage the physical,
mental, and financial impacts of the pandemic. The
launch was followed by #AskMNLCT - an
initiative that fills an important gap for clients and
sector partners to obtain access to information on
supporting socio-economic, mental health and
well-being.
The Centre has served more than 2,000 people*
since the lockdown began, providing
uninterrupted support to clients.
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3. During the rapid shift to move services
online, Global Gathering Place (GGP)
recognized there was a gap in reaching the
most vulnerable newcomers.
Using funding secured through community
relief funds, GGP allocated $15,500 to
purchase tablets and Wi-Fi, allowing
refugees to access essential services and
maintain connection with others.
The tablets also ensured that children within
these families were able to continue their
education alongside other Saskatchewan
children.
"Allowing vulnerable clients to continue learning and connect with teachers, friends, and family
here and around the globe - it’s crucial. These tablets are a lifeline."
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