- - - - - - - start something - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria

Donation Centre
How do we collect more and spend less? This question was used to guide growth and decision making in
what was a challenging year in our Donation Center operations. We found ourselves in a year where expenses were
necessary to build systems and secure tools which would support us into the future. We did this knowing we may not see
the positive results until the following fiscal year. Change was necessary, it was managed carefully and with the support of
a strong and dedicated staff team the transition was smooth.
Challenges were often beyond our control and included:
► Significant fluctuations in gas prices
► Changes to wages in response to minimum wage increases
► Economic downturns affecting purchasing and ultimately the availability of used clothing
► Increases to leasing costs
► Use of a trailer in product delivery
We responded quickly and carefully to challenges looking for efficiencies in current systems and new opportunities for
collections through collaboration. We implemented a web based dialler which meant less down time between calls,
improved data collection, no long distance charges, stronger staff engagement, less paper and copying and increased
donations.
We began to address truck use on weekends and determined that our least expensive method of collection was Attended
Donation Stations. We moved to pilot a site in the West Shore, a community who demonstrated steady growth in product
through weekly routes. The attended site was set up at the Canadian Tire location in the West Shore on Saturdays.
Community clothing drives were implemented encouraging people to bring the product to us. This included the launch of
Fill- A- Truck a new fundraising opportunity for community groups. Service groups and Prom Committees embraced the
opportunity to raise funds by gathering clothing and filling a truck with 400 bags.
In the Fall of 2011 we implemented a bin collection program in Cowichan working with the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency
in that community. The bins have proven to be a successful method of collection.
Through the course of the last fiscal year we were not able to meet our projected targets in fundraising however we did
see modest growth and have positioned ourselves well for the next fiscal year.
“I have learned that relationships are fluid; they ebb and flow and I am to remain open at all times.
I have learned to trust; to relax; to allow; and to know that I am good enough to receive all that this
person brings to my life.” Connie, Big Sister
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