3 in 5 Canadians plan to thrift or buy pre-owned in 2026.
Saving money is the primary driver behind thrifting in Canada with more than two-thirds of Canadians (68%) saying they thrift to save money, followed by a desire to reduce waste and the thrill of the treasure hunt.
Where others see old, you see opportunity; show us your Thrift Shift!
Got a knack for seeing potential where others see the old, worn, or forgotten? The Thrift Shift challenge celebrates the creativity, craftsmanship, and imagination that transform secondhand finds into something extraordinary.
Whether you've upcycled a piece of furniture, given a thrifted treasure a fresh new look, or completely reinvented an item with your own unique style, we want to see it! Share your transformation journey and inspire others with your vision, resourcefulness, and DIY skills.
From subtle refreshes to dramatic makeovers, every project tells a story. Show us how you've turned thrift into style and discover how a little creativity can make a big impact.
The best part?
One lucky winner will take home a $500 Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario ReStore gift card!
Three simple steps to enter:
1. Purchase an item from a ReStore
2. Transform it through DIY, Upcycling or Renovation
3. Upload and share your before-and-after photos.
Looking for some inspiration?
See what DIY creator Danie Berger discovered during a visit to the Peterborough ReStore and how a simple dresser became a stunning statement piece.
With a tight timeline, a creative vision, and plenty of DIY determination, Handyman Graham proved that a remarkable furniture flip can happen in less than 24 hours.
FAQS
What is a furniture flipping?
Furniture flipping is all about seeing the potential in a pre-loved piece and turning it into something new.
From a fresh coat of paint to a complete makeover, furniture flipping combines creativity and craftsmanship to give old items a second chance and a new story to tell.
How does furniture flipping support the environment?
Furniture flipping keeps usable items out of landfills and gives them a second chance to shine. By finding hidden treasures at a Habitat ReStore and transforming them into something new, you're reducing waste, supporting sustainability, and helping Habitat for Humanity build affordable housing in local communities.
Do I need to be in the before-and-after photos?
Yes. To confirm that the project was completed by you, please include yourself in at least one photo of the furniture transformation. Videos showing you working on the piece are also encouraged.
Do I have to paint my furniture project?
Not at all! Furniture flipping is about giving a piece new life, and that doesn't always mean picking up a paintbrush. Many successful transformations focus on cleaning, restoring, repairing, or refreshing a piece while preserving its original character.
Simple updates like sanding out scratches, repairing minor damage, refinishing wood, polishing hardware, or removing stains can make a dramatic difference without changing the original look of the furniture.
What is a ReStore and where is Heartland Ontario?
Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario operates a network of ReStores in 6 different counties in Ontario (Brant, Elgin, Middlesex, Norfolk, Oxford & Perth). These are home improvement stores that sell donated furniture, appliances, building materials, home décor, and other household items at affordable prices.
The ReStore gives quality items a second life by keeping them out of landfills and making home improvement more accessible for everyone. Whether you're searching for a furniture-flipping project, renovating a space, or hunting for a unique treasure, every purchase helps make a difference.
Best of all, proceeds from ReStore sales support Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario's mission to build affordable housing and help local families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership.
Where can I find a Habitat ReStore?
Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario proudly operates five ReStores across Southwestern Ontario. Each location offers a unique selection of donated furniture, home décor, appliances, building materials, and other hidden treasures waiting for their next home.
📍 Brantford ReStore (80 Morton Avenue East, Brantford, ON)
📍 London ReStore (40 Pacific Court, London, ON)
📍 St. Thomas ReStore (280 Edward Street, St. Thomas, ON)
📍 Stratford ReStore (598 Lorne Avenue, Stratford, ON)
📍 Woodstock ReStore (1058 Parkinson Road, Woodstock, ON)