Portrait of ORAPÉ: A GoReuse Collaboration For A Sustainable Future

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For over three decades now, the Organisme de récupération anti-pauvreté de L’Érable (ORAPÉ) has been committed to supporting low-income individuals and families while managing a social economy enterprise dedicated to sustainable development and social integration. Through close collaboration with partners in the field, the organization works hard every day for a more inclusive and environmentally friendly future.

By joining the GoReuse network, ORAPÉ strengthens its commitment to responsible consumption and environmental preservation by giving a second life to cooling appliances and air conditioning units.

A mission rooted in solidarity and sustainable development

Founded in 1991, ORAPÉ has evolved well beyond its original mandate of providing food assistance. Today, the organization offers some 20 services across three key sectors:

  • Support for individuals and families
  • Popular education and social integration
  • Social economy (resource centre, recycling of various items, bulky item collection)

Its actions are based on fundamental values such as equity, respect, solidarity, transparency, and environmental preservation.

We firmly believe that every recycling effort has a significant social and environmental impact. Through our resource centre, we help build a stronger, more resilient community.

Valérie Bédard, Executive Director, ORAPÉ.

Challenges transformed into opportunities

Like all community organizations, ORAPÉ faces constant challenges, particularly in terms of funding and human resource management. To overcome these difficulties, the organization relies on the creativity and diversification of its activities to generate an optimal impact.

One of its flagship initiatives is its resource centre, where various used items, including cooling appliances and air conditioning units, are sold. This approach promotes a circular economy and reduces waste while generating essential income to fund services for those in need.

Every purchase made in our resource centre is a concrete action for the environment, but also an act of solidarity for those going through difficult times.

Valérie Bédard, Executive Director, ORAPÉ.

The resource centre also enables ORAPÉ to maintain financial balance while addressing the environmental concerns of its clientele.

Our customers are environmentally conscious and supportive of reuse, but they also want to support a local cause and their own community. Buying from us means participating in a more humane, supportive, and responsible economy.”

Valérie Bédard, Executive Director, ORAPÉ.

A concrete impact on the community

ORAPÉ’s commitment extends far beyond reselling items. The organization plays a crucial role in the region by offering:

  • Home collection of bulky items in 9 different L’Érable municipalities
  • Support for fire victims
  • Local assistance and food support for vulnerable families
  • Food aid for low-income families
  • Social integration through employability programs
  • Recycling and recovery of 9 types of items (electronic devices, corks, fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs, bread ties, beer caps, can pull tabs, cooling appliances and air conditioning units, writing instruments, batteries, cell phones, and more)

The loyalty of our customers and the constant influx of new users demonstrate the real impact of our work, both socially and economically.

Valérie Bédard, Executive Director, ORAPÉ.

Joining the GoReuse network: a strategic choice

ORAPÉ’s membership with GoReuse is part of a collective commitment to responsible consumption.

This partnership allows the organization to benefit from a support network, promotional tools, and resources to better manage household cooling appliances and air conditioning units.

Thanks to GoReuse, we have access to a structured network that facilitates the acquisition of high-quality used appliances through connections with GoRecycle members. By collaborating with GoRecycle, we can also ensure responsible recycling of end-of-life appliances. It’s a It’s a win-win partnership that benefits both the environment and our community.

Valérie Bédard, Executive Director, ORAPÉ.

A future-oriented vision

ORAPÉ has big plans for the future. Among its key goals are the expansion and development of a more in-depth strategic plan. In this regard, the GoReuse network will play a crucial role in offering valuable support.

Together, ORAPÉ and GoReuse demonstrate that it is indeed possible to combine social impact and environmental respect. This collaboration perfectly embodies the values of solidarity and sustainability that are essential for building a more responsible future.

About GoRecycle

GoRecycle is the only organization recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC that ensures the responsible recycling of cooling appliances in Quebec. We recycle refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, wine coolers, dehumidifiers and water coolers through over 300 drop-off points in Quebec, and over 100 banner pickup partners with the purchase of a new fridge. GoRecycle is a non-profit organization (NPO).

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