Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of things are you looking for?

Our clients are homeless families moving into small apartments with nothing. We need basic apartment furnishings. We always need dressers, kitchen and dining room tables, and beds of all sizes (except king size). We also take couches and armchairs, buffets and sideboards, shelving units, wardrobes, lamps, small appliances like microwave ovens and toaster ovens, dishes, pots and pans, bedding and linens, curtains, coffee tables, end tables, night tables, TVs, area rugs, and other household and kitchen items.

We will accept only items that are gently used and suitable for our clients. Our driver will make the final decision on whether or not to pick up any particular item.

What don’t you take?

We cannot use and will not accept these items:

Barbecues
Beds (specific types):
•Hospital beds and equipment
•King-size beds
•Steel spring beds, foldaway beds
•Futons without a frame
Books
Broadloom
Clothing
Computers, computer monitors, printers
Floor model TVs and stereos, VCRs
Four-seater couches
IKEA furniture & shelving unless assembled and sturdy
Major appliances (stove, fridge, dishwasher, etc.)
Metal shelving
Office furniture, metal desks, filing cabinets
Pianos, organs
Plastic lawn furniture
Sports and exercise equipment
Stacking chairs
Toys
Window blinds

See our Resources page for who might take items above.

What do you do with the furniture?

We give the furniture to those in need. We do not charge for the furniture, although we do offer a delivery service for a nominal fee. We may also sell items that are surplus, oversized, or otherwise unsuitable for our clients.

How can I make a financial donation?

Financial donations are greatly appreciated. We rely on your generosity to support our charitable activities. We give tax receipts for financial donations of $25 or more. Cheques can be mailed to us, or you can make a donation online through CanadaHelps.org, Click on the logo below

Can I get a tax receipt for my furniture?

We can provide "in-kind" tax receipts for the value of your furniture upon request (minimum $100 assessed value). To do this, we must evaluate the "fair market value" of the furniture at the time it is donated. Please be aware that this value will probably be a small fraction of what you paid for the item.

Revenue Canada defines “fair market value” as follows:

“Fair market value (FMV) is not defined in the Income Tax Act. The FMV is generally the highest price, expressed in a dollar amount, that the property would bring in an open and unrestricted market between a willing buyer and a willing seller who are both knowledgeable, informed, and prudent, and who are acting independently of each other.”

Furniture Bank will assign your donated items a standardized value. If you believe this standard value does not accurately reflect the value of your donation and you would like a tax receipt for a higher amount, we will require a certificate of evaluation from an independent professional appraiser. For all individual items valued at $1,000 or more, Revenue Canada requires two independent appraisals paid for by the donor before an "in-kind" tax receipt can be issued.

If you want a tax receipt for the value of your furniture, please let us know at the time you arrange the pickup or dropoff of the items. Be sure we have your correct mailing address!

For more information, please contact:
info@FurnitureBank.org

When do I get my tax receipt?

Tax receipts are issued and mailed out within 90 days of receiving and valuating furniture or after mailing in a financial donations. Any financial donations made online through CanadaHelps.org,will receive instant tax receipts through the online process we have put in place with them. We will ensure any donations received by year end will have tax receipt mailed before the end of February.

Who do I make my cheque out to?

Make cheques payable to “Furniture Bank”. You can give a cheque or cash to the driver.

If you prefer to mail your cheque, send it to this address:

Furniture Bank
11 Peel Avenue
Toronto ON M6J 1M3

Make sure we get your new mailing address so we can send you a tax receipt later in the year!

Where and when can I drop off furniture?

We are located at 11 Peel Avenue, from Queen and Gladstone go one block north to Peel Ave.

Please bring dropoffs to our Receiving door (first large purple door) on the east side of the building.

We accept drop-offs without an appointment between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, and from 9 am to noon on Saturday (except holiday weekends). We are closed on Sundays.

For more information on furniture dropoffs, please email info@FurnitureBank.org or call 416-934-1229.

What’s a ‘hard’ deadline?

Example of a ‘soft’ deadline: “We’ve had this stuff in the garage for three years and I’d really like to get rid of it as soon as possible.”

Example of a ‘hard’ deadline: “I’m moving to England on October 31. I have to be out of the house by noon.”

Do you come into the house?

If we come to pick up your furniture, we will send a truck with a driver and helper, who will bring the items out of your home. It is not necessary to bring the items to the curb, although our drivers will be happy if you do. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE YOUR SHELVING. We won’t take it if you do.

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