Shelter Movers is a national, volunteer-powered charitable organization offering free-of-cost moving and storage services to individuals, primarily women and children, fleeing abuse. Since 2016, the charity has completed over 8,500 moves, transitioning individuals and their families to lives free of abuse.

Shelter Movers offers one-of-a-kind service in Canada, operating in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Southwestern Ontario, Greater Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The charity is powered by over 1,000 volunteers across Canada and is seeing growing demand. It is looking for more volunteers, especially to help people in Peel in the Greater Toronto region.

Shelter Movers was founded by Marc Hull-Jacquin, who was motivated by the prevalence of gender-based violence in Canada and the barriers to leaving an abuser and wanted to make a difference. In 2021, Shelter Movers became the first Canadian organization to be recognized by the French Red Cross and the Spanish Red Cross’ RED Social Innovation for its social impact, innovation, accessibility, and viability. In 2022, the founder and CEO was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for his work, showcasing his remarkable contributions to Canadian society.

Shelter Movers is looking to expand to support families across the prairies after an investment from an equality program managed by the government of Canada. The Greater Toronto Chapter alone completes an average of 45 moves each month, putting it on track to help more than 500 survivors of violence relocate to safety in 2025, free of charge.

Source: Hamilton News