Donate Items
Total participants who accessed Basic Needs in 2024: 654
New participants in 2024: 294
Amount of Basic Needs services received in 2024: 5,198
Many youth who come to RaY rely on us to ensure their most basic needs are met, and the department itself relies on the generous support of the community to remain stocked in essential goods. Our Basic Needs program relies on in-kind donations of items to help youth get the necessities they need.
Toiletries/Hygiene
1333 time accessed
355 individual youth
The following list contains (but is not limited to) some donations that are highly valued, and address highly needed items among the youth we serve:
Clothing Bank
2693 times accessed
590 individual youth
- New and gently used clothing items
- New socks and undergarments
- New and gently used shoes and boots
- New and gently used backpacks and duffle bags
- Winter gear (jackets, mitts, scarves, hats)
- Rain gear (waterproof jackets, tarps)
- Outreach gear (tents, sleeping bags, blankets, sunscreen)
- Hygiene items (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste)
- Menstrual products (pads, tampons)
Laundry
92 times accessed
40 individual youth
Items we do not accept include:
- Items that are soiled
- Items that are ripped
- Items smelling like smoke
- Kids clothing
- Kids toys
- Formal clothing
Pet Food/Supplies
479 times accessed
107 individual youth
Donations should be freshly laundered and can be dropped off at 125 Sherbrook Street Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Feel free to park in our parking lot during your drop off! Ring the doorbell and a member of staff will answer the door to accept the donation.
Shower
599 times accessed
134 individual youth
One youth came to the Basic Needs Department looking for a suit. He had an interview scheduled for a construction job and wanted to look his best. We helped him “suit up.” He got the job!
Other ways to donate
Donate Funds
Donate A Car
Donate a Car Canada accepts Vehicle Donations for RaY. Free towing is provided in most areas across Canada, or you can drop off your vehicle to maximize your donation. When you donate your car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle to RaY through Donate A Car Canada, it will either be recycled or sold at auction (depending on its condition, age and location). Donate a Car Canada will look after all the details to make it easy for RaY to benefit. After your vehicle donation is complete, our charity will send you a tax receipt and will put your gift to good use. Please click here to donate a vehicle.
Thank you for helping us foster connection for youth who need it most. You make all of this possible!
