Yonge Street Mission’s (YSM) Double Take (DT) Thrift Store is seeking an Upcycling Studio Support Volunteer! NOTE: As part of the application process for our longer-term roles you will be required to: Attend a virtual/in-person interview, Provide 3 references (professional/volunteer related) & Provide a Police Reference Check (PRC/VSS)
Role Overview:
The Double Take Thrift Store is a YSM social enterprise with a twofold purpose: to provide hands-on employment training to job seekers, and act as a community resource where gently used, high-quality clothing, furniture and housewares can be purchased at affordable prices, in our store and online.
Do you love mending or sewing? Are you excited by the opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment? Do you feel passionate about social change and community empowerment? Upcycling Studio volunteers are sewing & mending enthusiasts who help to fix and repurpose discarded clothing and keep more textiles out of landfills. For more information about what we do in the studio, feel free to visit our Upcycling Studio Page.
We are seeking skilled menders to repair stuff that is in good condition “except for” that small hole, missing button or sagging hem, so that it can live a second life instead of going to the landfill.
We are also looking for Production Sewing volunteers who know their way around a sewing machine, a serger, a pattern and an iron and can help us make new products from old textiles to sell in the store, online and at markets around Toronto.
The project-based nature of these roles makes them more suited to those interested in a long term volunteer commitment. If this type of volunteering sounds like your thing, we’d love to hear from you!
Qualifications/Experience:
- Demonstrated skills in sewing, darning or embroidery
- Strong eye for design
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Highly organized and detail-focused
- Comfortable in a fast-paced work environment
- Takes initiative on tasks and creative assignments
- Passionate about sustainability in retail industry
- Knowledgeable about Canadian and international retail brands
- Customer service experience an asset
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team and independently with minimal supervision
- Commitment: Volunteers must be able to make a 6 month commitment with shifts being flexible (complete at least 1 shift weekly)
- Age/Online Access/Safety Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, and able to go online to view volunteer shifts/notifications. And, all volunteers must be willing to adhere to our safety and mandatory volunteer guidelines
Hours of Position/Location:
- Available Shifts: Commit to 3-4 hrs per week, on a weekday or weekend (weekdays preferred)
- Location: Gerrard & Parliament
If interested, please submit the form below and one of our Volunteer Resources Coordinators will get back to you as soon as possible.