Our Roots
Beginnings.
Anney’s Closet Society is a non-profit created in 2013 by Anney and the service club Soroptimist International of Victoria Westshore.
Anney’s Closet began with a simple act of generosity. At a Soroptimist awards event, one of the recipients, rather than asking for a cash prize, requested a laptop to help her move forward in life. That single request sparked a wave of kindness, as Soroptimist members offered her beds, linens, and household essentials to help her get started again.
She wasn’t alone in her needs. Youth aging out of foster care, signing youth agreements, or becoming young parents often face adulthood with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Inspired to help, Soroptimists created a “free store” experience - dignified, welcoming, and stocked with quality essentials to give these young people a strong start.
One of the early partnerships was with the Care Home Parenting Program, a supportive group home for young pregnant women. When the director envisioned a “rocking circle” where mothers could bond with their babies while learning essential life skills, Soroptimists sourced over 45 rocking chairs from the community to help bring that vision to life.
Soroptimist member Anney, who regularly assisted downsizing seniors, noticed that beautiful, gently used items were being sent away every month. She asked, ‘Why not redirect the furniture and household goods to local youth and individuals who truly need them?” That question became the mission of Anney’s Closet.
Thanks to the generosity of West Shore U-Lock Mini Storage, which donated the first warehouse space, and the support of countless volunteers and partners, Anney’s Closet officially launched on June 8, 2013.
Today, it continues to thrive as a compassionate bridge between those with items to give and those starting over.
Today, Anney’s Closet community volunteers redistribute gently used furniture and household items from donors in the community to individuals and families facing household goods and furniture poverty.
Whether leaving women’s transition housing, aging out of foster care, navigating a new community after immigrating, or rebuilding after a financial crisis, our clients find more than just household items.
They find dignity, hope and a fresh start.