Raising funds and contributing to the social economy
Created by the Association du cancer de l’Est du Québec in 1996, the Friperie de l’Est is an example of how the social economy can be profitable for the well-being of the community. The Friperie handles everyday items donated by the community, sells them, and donates the profits to the Association du cancer de l’Est du Québec.
The Friperie aims to contribute at least $100,000 to the Association du cancer de l’Est du Québec annually. This target was notably exceeded in 2016 with a contribution of $212,920. During its first 20 years of operation, the Friperie de l’Est has exceeded one million dollars in donations paid to the Association of cancer de l’Est du Québec, with a total donation amount of $1,615,421.
On top of financing the mission of the Association du cancer de l’Est du Québc, the Friperie de l’Est contributes to the integration of people living with a disability, promotes volunteering and is involved in the community and compensatory work management. The Friperie de l’Est also salvages and recycles used and reusable goods that the community wishes to off-load.
The Friperie de l’Est has become a model economic agent, socially and environmentally. Like the Association du cancer de l’Est du Québec, it actively contributes to the collective well-being of Eastern Quebec.