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Katarokwi Union of Tenants introduces new annual thrift fundraiser

sunset in kingston, the upper portion of the image is taken up by the sky, which is various shades of red, pink, and some grey-ish clouds. A large house and the top of a church is visible in the lower half of the frame
Christena Lawrie - CFRC - Kingston • ON | 20-10-2023
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In collaboration with Value Village, the Katarokwi Union of Tenants has introduced a new annual thrift fundraising event.

Founded in 2019, the Katarokwi Union of Tenants is a collective who advocate for tenant rights and bring awareness to housing challenges and needs in the Katarokwi community. This includes advocacy campaigns, distributing educational materials and information, direct support for those experiencing homelessness, and fundraising for their cause.

The Katarokwi Union of Tenants is currently gearing up for the official launch of their new annual thrift fundraiser. They will be collecting soft goods, including clothing and shoes, and household items.

“I think about two years ago, we did an in-person sort of yard sale," Jenoa Maegher, with the Katarokwi Union of Tenants, explains. "But just in an effort to sort of free up people's capacity, we decided to change our approach to the thrift fundraiser and make it an annual event so that we can start to, you know, create more momentum with the movement and then also, you know, have a more regular fundraising stream for our organization.” 

This initiative is also in support of their goal to have more young Kingstonians and students involved in local advocacy. 

“You know, we've been waving our flag about the housing crisis for a long time now as a group," Maegher states. "But we want people to know, especially young people, that they can reach out to us as well for support and advocacy with any tenant issues. That's also a big part of what we do.”

The official launch of the fundraiser coincides with their Halloween event on Oct. 28, taking place at 99 York St., featuring an educational film screening and costume contest.

Those interested in becoming one of twenty collectors or collection teams supporting the thrift fundraiser or otherwise getting involved can reach out to katarokwitenants@gmail.com for information and instructions. Donations will be accepted for the thrift fundraiser until the final weigh-in on Dec. 2.

You can learn more about the Katarokwi Union of Tenants and their events on their website.

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