Shelter Movers

While the issue of domestic violence is sadly not new and is certainly well-documented, what is by contrast relatively new, and not well documented, are those who help move the furniture, clothes and boxes of possessions out of the abusers’ homes. These helpful folks work with Shelter Movers.

Shelter Movers began as a non-profit organization in April 2016 to fill a critical gap in services for those coping with gender-based violence. They recognized that every day, someone is in, planning to leave, or has just left a situation of abuse.

For those with the courage to leave abusive situations, their story is far from over. They face the prospect of losing everything they own when they decide to leave. Moving and storing belongings is expensive, logistically complicated, and often dangerous.

Enter Shelter Movers — the only service of this kind in Canada. Gradually building up a team of more than 2,000 volunteers from all across Canada, Shelter Movers grew to operate out of the Greater Toronto area, Ottawa, Nova Scotia, Vancouver, Montréal, Waterloo, and Greater Moncton. They have recently expanded into Alberta, where there is no doubt they are needed.

“Some Albertans risk experiencing gender-based violence, including, but not limited to women and girls aged 15 to 24, living in Northern, rural and remote communities, including Indigenous, people of colour, persons with disabilities, and people who identify as 2SLGBTQQIA.” – Alberta Government

As a national, volunteer-powered charitable organization, Shelter Movers collaborates with local businesses and agencies to provide moving and storage services at no cost to those fleeing abuse, helping them transition into a new start with their personal belongings intact.

When you first hear or read the name Shelter Movers, it may sound like a generic moving company, which is one of the reasons they contacted Relish to get assistance with their branding and identity. In a way, they’re more of a “transition” company than simply a moving company. They brought Relish onboard to address their brand positioning, improve their digital footprint, and to put out a call for more volunteers in key areas, such as movers and drivers, scheduling, as well as move and intake coordinators.

Shelter Movers supports and celebrates their heroic clients, but they’re also hugely grateful for their invaluable volunteers that make their service possible. Their volunteers aren’t just “doing a good deed.” Being a part of the Shelter Movers team means you get to meet others, help people start new lives, and bring about positive changes that will always be remembered.