Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kidney Clothes Program?
Kidney Clothes is a Trust of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. It is an initiative to raise money for the Foundation by collecting and repurposing reusable and resalable clothing and household goods from donors.
How can I donate?
You can contact the office closest to you by calling 1-800-414-3484 and we will arrange for a pick-up directly at your home. You can also drop your clothes off at one of our convenient drop boxes or donation centres. Click here to find one near you.
Where does the money generated from my donation go? Is it used locally?
The funds raised through Kidney Clothes are used by The Kidney Foundation to provide hope, support, empowerment and engagement to all Canadians affected by kidney disease. The Kidney Foundation is a national volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians living with kidney disease. The Kidney Foundation is a leading investor in kidney research and provides programs and services to those living with and at risk of developing kidney disease.
What can I donate?
- All Used Clothing (Including Winter Wear)
- Shoes & Boots
- Accessories: Purses, Bags, Belts & Ties
- Luggage & Sleeping Bags
- Bedding: Blankets, Pillows & Linens
- Draperies, Pillows & Cushions
- Sporting Goods
- Toys & Books
- Tools
- Housewares
- Small Working Appliances
- Jewelry
- Yarn, Fabric & Patterns
- It is okay to include ripped or worn out items for recycling as long as they are clean, dry, and free of contaminates
What can’t I donate?
There are some items which cannot be picked up such as:
- Building Materials
- Car Seats
- Chemicals
- Cribs
- Food
- Furniture
- Hazardous Materials
- Large Appliances
- Tires
Call us to ask if we accept other items 1-800-414-3484.
What about furniture?
Sorry, we are unable to pick up furniture for donation, but you can drop off furniture at the Value Village store nearest to you and tell them it is on behalf of Kidney Clothes.
Why hasn’t my donation been picked up yet?
We ask our donors to have their items in boxes or bags out on their front porch by 8 a.m. the day of their scheduled pickup, labeled with a “K” for kidney. To keep our costs controlled, our drivers plan their route to be as efficient as possible. Therefore, pick-ups can occur anytime between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. This also means our donors don’t have to be at home! If your donation has not been picked up after this time please give us a call at 1-800-414-3484.
What happens to my donation?
All items donated to Kidney Clothes are sold to our retail partner, Value Village. Value Village is a for-profit company that works with charitable and non-profit organizations throughout North America and operates thrift stores across Canada.
Why deal with Value Village?
Kidney Clothes raises funds to help support the invaluable work The Kidney Foundation of Canada does to support the kidney community through research, patient programs and client support. Value Village helps us accomplish this by providing funds in exchange for the items we collect.
What is your charitable number?
Kidney Clothes is a Trust of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. The Kidney Foundation of Canada is a registered charity under number 10756 7398 RR0001.
Do you give out tax receipts?
The Canada Revenue Agency requires registered charities to determine the fair market value of any non-cash donations that they receive in order to issue a tax receipt. This proves to be a very difficult task for used clothing items, for this reason charities who are recycling clothing do not issue receipts.
