Highjinx...A Social Enterprise helping Community Members~ #thegoodnews

Today I ventured down to my favourite charity, Highjinx. This place deserves a mention in #thegoodnews AND #Ophumanangels!!!

Highjinx, Ottawa

The original plan was to bring socks and toilet paper, but we couldn't find any sales on TP. We decided to grab food items on sale instead for their pantry. Ground beef, cheese, oatmeal, sugar, chips and one pack of TP plus our 60 socks is what we managed to bring today.

No picture, I felt weird asking for a photo op with our donation....

What is HighJinx? It is the vision of two amazing women, Karen and Leigh who formerly both worked in social services. Frustrated by the treatment of people in the system, they decided there was a better way. The pair quit their jobs and rallied family and friends for stock.....raiding basements and attics for second hand treasures, they filled the store and opened for business. Highjinx is more than a vintage or antique store. They are a community space and a safe haven for many.

One of the two stray cats that are now shop keepers

They encourage neighbours to help neighbours. There were struggles along the way and even a location change, but they settled two years ago in an old house in downtown Ottawa that will be Highjinx's home for another 15 years at least.

Free Stuff outside the store...it goes fast. Hot plate and the last of the Christmas decorations today, it is usually books

The truth is, it is a movement. A social enterprise! Run on donations of clothing, furniture, housewares, antiques and jewellery as well as local handmade products and art, (supporting neighbours and community) Karen and Leigh use all net profits to help out the local peeps.
HighJinx is privately run and does not use ANY Government funding.

Local artwork lines the stairs, all for sale profiting the artist

Kitchen wares donations/bank

Help could be anything....free furniture from their furniture bank, supporting a new mother, finding boots for a new job, going to housing court with a disabled neighbour, covering Hydro, phone and internet bills (to keep people connected) to providing food from their pantry or their community kitchen that welcomes anyone during open hours...sometimes closed hours too.They will do anything for their neighbours.

Linens and clothing available

Most importantly it is a place for people to drop in and socialize. Weekly "Feeding Friday" days that have hearty, hot and healthy meals available all day encourage neighbours to sit and eat with others, to break bread together. To get those personal connections everyday that we all need to be healthy. It is a place where everyone is welcome. Every individual is treated with respect and personal attention. They are listened to and validated. Highjinx combats lonliness and promotes community and love.

Our family has been donating our extra produce to Highjinx for 2 years. Last year we were able to donate 100's of pounds of tomatoes and other veggies but this year with the flooding, there was much less spare produce.

This was out first donation...tomatoes and salsas, back in 2016

We were able however, to provide soil, vegetable and herb plants for their community garden this spring. Other visits are to buy items from the shop to support the cause and socalize with people. We have gotten to know a few of the regulars there. Such incredible people. Scores of other amazing locals step up and donate produce, food, toiletries and hot meals. If they need something, a call is put out on social media and these ladies get it done! They are truly human angels ❤