story and photo by Tina Kelly –
Many of us are guilty of at least one of the following – an abandoned art project, a stalled work in progress or a creative hobby that never really grabbed hold (either our own or that of our kids). Ideas are gathered, pages are bookmarked, supplies are bought and then life happens and those supplies simply take up space. After accepting that you will never complete that project or use those materials, what do you do with those items just gathering dust?
Divert it from your home and divert it from the landfill would be the suggestion of SUPPLY Victoria Creative Reuse Centre. This community arts organization is a registered society, redistributing used art, office and school supplies, out of our closets, away from the landfill and into the hands, homes, studios and classrooms of those who can use them.
On a recent visit to SUPPLY Victoria, I picked up new paint brushes for programs at my workplace – one sustainability non-profit supporting another. I didn’t visit with any particular need in mind; I like the treasure hunt aspect of the space. There is 2,000 square feet to explore – bins and shelves stocked with low-cost goods. Sales support programs, diversion efforts and sustainability initiatives. In 2022, they were the recipient of the EcoStar Award for Greenest Retailer and the founder and Executive Director, Ashley Howe, was a finalist for Ecopreneur of the Year.
My next step will be to rummage through my personal stash of crafty supplies and decide what can be moved along. Due to space limitations, Supply Victoria has clear donating guidelines, along with a needs/wants list, posted on their website. There are upwards of 100 different types of items they are currently seeking. Acrylic paints, buttons, crochet needles and pipe cleaners are only a few of the supplies on that list.
SUPPLY Victoria isn’t solely about the in and out of goods. They also offer classes and special events using reclaimed materials. My first encounter with SUPPLY Victoria was during the pandemic; they were among the hosts of free outdoor community workshops in a nearby park. These Creative Reuse Workshops are offered at their Centre and offsite through partnerships. Scrappy Last Saturdays is for families with children seven to 12; guest artists engage participants in creating upcycled crafts.
As an organization that supports all things sustainability, inclusion and community, they also have a material grant program. Are you an artist, organizer or community group offering a (preferably free) event? SUPPLY Victoria offers the opportunity to receive free materials.
Look at those buttons in your drawer, the paint in your cupboard or the yarn in your basket and imagine them living a new life in the hands of a child, teacher, student or event participant learning and creating as the supplies were intended to be used. SUPPLY Victoria is crafting a sustainable future.
For more information, visit www.supplyvictoria.ca.
