When I first walked through Furniture Bank’s doors in 2008 as a new mom fresh off maternity leave, I was searching for more than just a job—I was looking for purpose. I’ll never forget that first interview in the cold, old warehouse. Despite the drafty space, there was an undeniable warmth in the people and mission that immediately drew me in. What started as a call center position would become a 16-year journey that would shape not just my career, but my entire family’s story.
One of my most cherished memories is bringing my then two-year-old daughter, Megan, to our Madison Avenue warehouse to meet the team. The office was cold, and space was tight, but there was something magical about those moments. Now, watching Megan volunteer at Furniture Bank while pursuing her studies at the University of Toronto, I’m struck by how we’ve grown together alongside this remarkable organization. Her evolution from a toddler playing in our warehouse to a passionate volunteer demonstrates how deeply our work can shape the next generation’s values and understanding of community service.
Early days: Learning and growing together
Those early days were a beautiful chaos. With just two trucks on the road, every day was an exercise in creativity and persistence. Natasha Hynes (now our Client Services Manager) and I shared a desk, quite literally speaking over each other as we juggled incoming calls from donors and clients. Our “communication system” consisted entirely of phone calls and emails, coordination calls with drivers, and endless back-and-forth with donors. We laugh now about how we managed without Slack or modern technology. ‘Who knew what Slack was back then’ has become a running joke among our veteran team members.
From humble beginnings to transformative impact
From those modest beginnings with just two trucks, Furniture Bank has evolved into a dynamic organization with a fleet of 15 vehicles serving the Greater Toronto Area. Our growth includes an experienced Sales & Marketing team of 8 professionals dedicated to ensuring exceptional experiences for both customers and donors. Our commitment to continuous improvement and technological advancement has transformed how we operate—from route optimization software that streamlines pickups and deliveries to digital platforms connecting with customers & donors, and now AI helping us better understand and predict community needs.
A family's commitment grows stronger
In 2014, our family’s connection to Furniture Bank deepened when my husband, Sean Peddle, joined the organization. Now serving as Senior Director of Operations, Sean’s arrival made Furniture Bank truly a family affair. Our dinner conversations evolved from me sharing stories about my workday to collaborative discussions about improving our impact or awareness. Furniture Bank isn’t just where we work; it’s woven into the fabric of who we are as a family.
Beyond local roots
We’ve grown beyond our local roots, now managing furniture removal inquiries for multiple furniture banks across Canada, including Redwood Furniture Bank in Barrie, Matthew House Furniture Bank in Ottawa, and Oyate Tipi in Winnipeg. Each expansion represents not just organizational growth, but more families helped and more communities strengthened.
Lessons learned along the way
Through my 16 years here, I've gathered invaluable insights:
- Embrace personal growth opportunities: Every challenge we faced was a chance to learn and develop new skills.
- Build lasting relationships: The connections we’ve forged aren’t just professional; they’re personal investments in our shared mission.
- Stay true to your purpose: Even as we’ve grown and evolved, our core mission has remained unchanged.
- Balance innovation with tradition: While embracing new technologies, we’ve never lost sight of the personal touch that makes our work meaningful.
The heart of what matters
As we celebrate Family Day, I’m reminded that Furniture Bank’s mission is fundamentally about families—both those we serve and those who serve alongside us. Every piece of furniture we deliver helps transform a house into a home, creating spaces where families can grow, thrive, and build their futures together.
Watching my daughter Megan volunteer at Furniture Bank fills me with immense pride. Her involvement has fostered a deep empathy and genuine commitment to giving back—values that will guide her long into the future. It’s a beautiful reminder that our work creates ripples of compassion that extend into the next generation.
Creating sustainable impact
Our growth hasn’t just been about adding trucks or expanding territory. We’ve learned to:
- Develop efficient operations while maintaining our caring approach
- Build sustainable revenue streams while staying true to our social mission
- Create meaningful volunteer opportunities that benefit both the organization and participants
- Foster a workplace culture that encourages both professional and personal growth
Looking to the future
After 16 years, my commitment to Furniture Bank’s mission has only grown stronger. What started as a search for purposeful work has blossomed into a legacy of service that spans generations in my family. As we continue to grow and evolve, I’m grateful for the countless families we’ve helped and the profound way this journey has shaped my own family’s story.
This Family Day, I’m reminded that the best part of growing together—whether as a family or an organization—is knowing there’s always room to grow, more families to help, and more dreams to realize. To those just starting their own journeys in social enterprise: embrace the challenges, celebrate the small victories, and never lose sight of the lives you’re changing. Like watching a child grow, organizational growth comes with its struggles and triumphs, but the impact is worth every moment.
