The Salvation Army and Bargains Group Partnership Makes Perfect “Cents”

For over 20 years, The Salvation Army has been partnering with Bargains Group in order to acquire quality essential supplies at low cost, supplies which are needed to serve those in over 400 communities across Canada.

“When The Salvation Army needs something, I just jump. If I don’t already have it, I can get it,” said Jody Steinhauer, President and Chief Bargain Officer of Bargains Group.

Jody founded her Toronto-based national wholesale company 31 years ago, providing national retailers with low prices on items that include everything from clothing to promotional items. While volunteering at a shelter, she spoke to a staff member about how and where they buy the items they need. This helped Jody realize that she could directly supply charities and not-for-profits with the things they needed at even lower costs, saving the organizations both money and staff time.

“We have a wonderful and longstanding relationship with The Salvation Army,” said Jody. “My power is the connectivity, amazing relationships, resources and discount prices.  There are items in every category on our website that The Salvation Army uses every day.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic started to unfold, Jody called The Salvation Army to see how she could help.

“I always reach out when there is a massive disaster, like the fires in Fort McMurray, and this was no different,” said Jody. “Everyone said they needed masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, pump soap and face shields.”

In total, Bargains Group has so far provided over 100,000 units of protective equipment and hand sanitizers and soaps nationwide to The Salvation Army for staff to continue serving vulnerable populations in a safe manner.

“We are so grateful to have a partner like Bargains Group, and a team there that we can rely on when others are depending on The Salvation Army,” said Glenn van Gulik, The Salvation Army’s Divisional Director for Emergency Disaster Services in Eastern Ontario.  “They are quick, efficient and their low prices have helped us with both meeting the need and being responsible stewards of donated funds to The Salvation Army.”

Bargains Group provides supplies all year round for The Salvation Army, including for its emergency shelter operations, Community and Family Services programs and even long-term care. Whether it be socks and underwear, winter accessories like gloves and toques, or hygiene products, linens and toys, The Salvation Army depends on this partnership to meet the need of those we serve every day.

Through their various not-for-profit programs, Bargains Group also helps match The Salvation Army with companies that want to donate their extra product stock or their time to the charity.

“Whenever an individual or a company says they want to help the less fortunate I always recommend ‘The Salvation Army’ because they serve everyone and never turn anyone away,” said Jody.

Jody has also been a long-time generous donor and supporter of The Salvation Army. She encourages businesses to work with charities saying it just makes sense. “As long as charities are getting a good deal then doing business with them means everyone wins!”

For more information on Bargains Group and how you can help non-profits please visit https://www.bargainsgroup.com/ and https://www.bargainsgroup.com/product-category/kits-for-a-cause/

If you would like to support the work of The Salvation Army please visit www.salvationarmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.