— SOMETIMES ALL IT TAKES IS NEW
Working Gear
Whether you’re looking for a suit and tie or a hard hat and boots, we’ve got you covered
Appointments
There are a couple of ways to book an appointment at Working Gear, depending on your situation.
Booking and Referral Agencies
For approved referral partners to make appointments for their clients.
Booking an Appointment Without a Referral
Do you need Working Gear’s services but have been unable to connect with any of the referral partners or booking agencies listed on our website?
Become a Referral Partner
If you believe your clients may benefit from Working Gear’s services, consider becoming a referral partner.
Double Your Impact This Season
Donate to Working Gear’s 2025 Fundraising Campaign!
From now until December 31, your gift will be matched 1:1, up to $30,000, thanks to The Winged Achene Foundation and an anonymous donor.
We’ve seen a nearly 90% increase in demand between June and October. Your support helps us meet this growing need and ensures people facing employment barriers have access to essential work gear, clothing, and confidence-building support.
Help us reach our $60,000 goal.
Donate now until December 31.
— Client Stories
Celebrating the Impact of Your Support
At Working Gear, we believe in the power of community. It’s because of the incredible generosity of our donors that we are able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many individuals. As a way to celebrate the ongoing support that makes this work possible, we’re excited to share inspiring client stories from 2024.
These stories are a testament to the resilience and determination of the people we serve—refugees, newcomers, and those facing significant barriers to employment. Through your donations, we’ve been able to provide them with the essential work gear, resources, and support they need to rebuild their lives and achieve their goals.
From securing stable employment to reuniting with families, these clients are making incredible strides, and it’s all thanks to you. We hope these stories inspire you as much as they inspire us and show the powerful impact your generosity has in creating opportunities for a brighter future.
Stay tuned as we share these remarkable journeys throughout the year. Your continued support helps us change lives, one story at a time.
— Volunteer Story
Kate: From Aerospace Dreams to Acts of Kindness
When Kate first arrived in Vancouver, she could say maybe five words in English, hello, thank you, sorry, good, bye.
But what she carried spoke louder: a degree in aerospace engineering, a pair of scissors, and the determination to rebuild her life.
Kate grew up in Kharkiv, Ukraine, a vibrant city of students, scientists, and artists. She had two passions from the beginning: precision and creativity. “Even as a little girl, I was cutting and styling my dolls’ hair,” she laughed. “It made me feel calm. I loved creating beauty.”
Working Gear 2024 Annual Report!
Working Gear is proud to present our 2024 Annual Report! Thank you to everyone who supported us and been apart of our last year!
Inside find out how many people we helped get back to work, learn more about the programs and services we offer, meet our new staff and partners and hear about the impact of our work from clients themselves!
You can view all this and more using the link below!
About Us
Working Gear is a volunteer-run charity located in the Downtown Eastside neighbourhood of Vancouver, BC. We have had the privilege of serving our clients since 2007.
We rely on the generous support of individuals, businesses, and organizations to provide industry-appropriate clothing and haircutting services to individuals experiencing unemployment or underemployment.
— Some of our wonderful
Sponsors
Winged Achene Foundation
MAILING ADDRESS
For Regular Mail Only – No Clothing Donations
PO Box 88495
Chinatown RPO
Vancouver, BC
V6A 4A7
Working Gear operates on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xwməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam), the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. As an organization, we are committed to supporting our Indigenous clients, community members and neighbours through our services, and we remain focused on embodying the principles of anti-racism and decolonization in all that we do.