Toronto-Based Charitable Organization #one2give Calls for Re-Opening of Non-Essential Aisles in Dollar Stores

TORONTO – Apr. 12, 2021 – #one2give, a charitable organization that crowdsources in-kind donations for shelters in the Greater Toronto Area, urges government officials to re-open aisles that have been deemed “non-essential”.

In adherence to Ontario's April 3rd stay-at-home order, big box and discount stores in Ontario are required to block off "non-essential" goods to customers. Restricted items include clothing, crafts, toys and school supplies.  

"Marginalized and low-income communities have been disproportionately impacted by efforts to stop the spread. Dollar stores are essential for our province’s most vulnerable," said #one2give Co-founder Lindsay Detsky. "Not everyone has the ability to shop online or navigate curbside pick up, which often requires a vehicle." 

According to recent data released by the city, one in four children and one in five adults live in poverty in Toronto. At a time when students are learning remotely, they need access to affordable school supplies and activities to keep them busy, learning and engaged. Attached is a plea from one Ontario resident surrounding this issue. 

Always a Party dollar store owner Ena Groberman agrees that restricting access to in-person purchases of school supplies and other recreational items further widens the pandemic-related socioeconomic gap. "Sometimes we forget that not all people are fortunate to have phones and access to the Internet. Most of the people I serve are seniors. They rely on my store for essential items like light bulbs and plungers.”

#one2give is not the only organization calling on the Ford government to make some important changes to the stay-at-home order model. Kimberly Curry, Executive Director of homeless shelter Seeds of Hope, said, "For people living on the street, items like flashlights and socks are essential for survival. For children learning remotely, school supplies like crayons, games and notepads are essential for learning and development."  

"It is a privilege to have access to digital retail, where electronic devices, Internet and credit cards are barriers to entry," added Venunye Nyamadi, Founder of Jane/Finch foodbank Society for the Living. "We understand the importance of mitigating risk, but it must be done in an equitable manner." 

To schedule an interview with #one2give, please contact: Samantha Margolis Fogle; 416-450-2889Lindsay Detsky; 416-670-7131