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 ❤
Wow! I love the idea of the Highjinx store! It looks so cozy and inviting. I bet I could spend hours in there! 😍 So wonderful! Thank you for sharing. 💗
Oh you would soooo love it!! I couldn't get a shot of the cozy kitchen where there is always a crockpot going and people warming up. I felt like it was invading their space lol. It is packed with cool stuff and there is always good peeps and good conversation. The kindness is crazy. I hope to make an impact like this someday..... <3<3<3
I love this little place Karen! It's so rad and those ladies are doing wonderful things for your community. You grow so much produce WOW!!!! Every year we expand our gardens. I hope we can start full on farming one day.
It's so cool, right?? They are incredible! It is a model that needs to be used more, it really works so well. We just need more people like them! Us too, dreaming of farming full time.....expanding gardens is addictive hehe:)
Yes , so Cool! I love that place. Every city needs a few of those places. People need community driven places for a helping hand, a friend, to socialize or have a hot meal etc.
Expanding the garden each year is inevitable!
Very touching story! Wish our society have more people like that.
Yes, we need many more people and places like this in each community. I agree<3
Wow!!! Excellent review, the two ladies who started this are indeed Human Angels, and so is your family Karen...you just give and give and give <3 <3 Love you all!!
Lynds, you would LOVE Karen and Leigh. The coolest, smartest, most compassionate and fierce ladies I have met. They have raised the bar....its a great thing <3
What a cool little place.. I love that it is designed to help the community without outside support.. definitely worthy of #thegoodnews tag..
Right?? We need one in every community. By the people, for the people <3
Can I get a Amen...
💗💗💗💗💗💗💗