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Laurier Freestore open at Brantford campus, donations sought for store locations

Laurier Freestore open at Brantford campus, donations sought for store locations

Sept. 21, 2023

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The Laurier Freestore has opened its doors at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus after an overwhelming response from student shoppers at the Waterloo campus. The Brantford campus Freestore is located in the Level One Lounge in One Market at 1 Market St.

Operated by Laurier’s Sustainability Office with support from campus partners, Laurier’s Freestore locations allow students to shop at no charge for household goods and school items including small appliances, kitchenware, dishes, décor and office supplies. While assisting students, the initiative also diverts donated items from local landfill sites.

Laurier students took home more than 3,800 pounds of goods from Freestore locations during the first two weeks of the 2023 fall term.

“It’s great to see so many students come through Freestore locations in Brantford and Waterloo,” says Dan McGregor, outreach and programs officer with the Sustainability Office. “Not only does this contribute to Laurier’s zero-waste goals, but it also points to a progression in creating a culture of sustainability on campus.”

Laurier’s Freestore locations are seeking additional gently used goods to keep shelves stocked for students in need. The following items are needed:

Waterloo Freestore:

  • Kitchenware: pots, pans, dishes, glassware, small countertop appliances, utensils, etc.
  • Bathroom: shower curtains, shower caddies and cleaning buckets.
  • Textiles: curtains, blankets, mats and tea towels.
  • Room accessories: small waste bins, storage containers and baskets.

The Freestore at the Waterloo campus is located at 232 King St., room K002. Donations can be made during operating hours, Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Individual appointments can be made to shop at the Freestore or donate items Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Email sustainability@wlu.ca to make an appointment.

Brantford Freestore:

  • Cleaning supplies: dish and laundry soap, brooms and mops.
  • Toiletries: sealed feminine hygiene products, toothbrushes and soap.
  • Textiles: towels, sheets, blankets, pillows, etc.
  • Bathroom: shower curtains and hooks, mirrors and bathmats.
  • Small appliances: space heaters, irons, mini fridges and microwaves.
  • Electronics: desk/table lamps and alarm clocks.
  • Reusable shopping bags and newspapers for wrapping and transporting breakable items.

Brantford donations can be made at the front desk Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., or items can be placed in the large, yellow donation bin outside the Freestore door. Laurier OneCards are needed to access the Level One Lounge outside regular business hours. Questions about donations can be sent to Tyler Britz at tbritz@wlu.ca.

Learn more about waste-reduction initiatives at Laurier.

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