Brands for Canada is a 1-star rated charity that is not financially transparent, has below average accountability to donors as seen in the D+ results reporting grade, and has low demonstrated impact. For every dollar donated to this charity, 91 cents go to the cause. This is within Ci's reasonable range for overhead spending.

Incorporated in 1992 by the founders of Second Harvest, one of Canada's largest food banks, Brands for Canada Ontario (formerly known as Toronto Windfall Clothing Support Service) provides new donated clothing and other basic-needs items at no charge to people living in poverty. Brands for Canada (BFC) reports that 1 in 7 Canadians live below the poverty line and the majority of new unsold goods end up in landfills. BFC aims to serve the homeless, abused women and children, at-risk youth, immigrants and refugees, and people with physical or mental disabilities. Its office is in Toronto.

BFC reports to have received 232,012 lb of clothing, 166,935 lb of personal items, and 74 skids of products from 78 donors. Donated new clothing and personal care items are sorted by job training participants and volunteer groups. These items are collected from donors and participating brands across Canada and distributed through social service agencies and public schools to those in need.

The charity offers several job training programs. It provides personalized programs for people with special needs, Indigenous people, refugees and youth. BFC’s Suitable Impressions program is a full-day workshop that helps individuals who are looking to secure a job. It covers key areas such as first impressions training, health and wellness, credit and budgeting, confidence building, and networking. BFC’s Edge program provides training to adults with disabilities. 

BFC also runs a kids’ programs called United Hearts. The United Hearts program is in partnership with Toronto District School Board and Peel District School Board. It delivers boxes filled with new clothing and personal care items to schools in these areas.

Brands for Canada reported $2.0m in donations in F2021. BFC also received $560k in government funding. Administrative costs are 2% of total revenues and fundraising costs are 7% of total donations. For every dollar donated to the charity, 91 cents go toward program costs. This is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. Brands for Canada has funding reserves of $1.8m which can cover one year of annual program costs.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to Brands for Canada for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on August 22, 2022 by Angelina Curwin.