Working Gear is a volunteer-run charity located at the intersection of the Downtown Eastside and Chinatown neighbourhoods of Vancouver, BC. We provide workwear, safety gear and services like hair cuts free of charge to low income and unemployed individuals as they transition back into the workforce.

Our small but mighty services provide a much-needed leg up to a community in need. When asked, 28% of our clients would pass on the job and 23% would work unsafe if they were not able to access Working Gear. 

This year alone, the demand for our services has grown by 20%. We’ve seen 38% more newcomers to Canada including many from Ukraine, 58% more youths and 33% more seniors being referred to Working Gear. Given the current economic climate, we’re expecting this uptick to continue well into 2024.

 We rely on the generous support of individuals, businesses and organizations to continue to break down barriers to employment, with almost all of our financial donations going directly to program delivery.  

Our clients are working hard to improve their lives. Help give them the boost (and the boots) they need.