In May 2025, The Salvation Army Thrift Store received 2,000 lbs of textiles and clothing from the community during the Can I Bring a Friend? event, held at the former Zara Department store on Queen Street West in Toronto. The event was hosted by Friends Only, a passion-driven project built around a simple question: “Can I bring a friend?”
“Our mission is to create one-time-only experiences so memorable, you want to share them with someone special,” said Gerry, the founder of the project, “No two events are ever alike, but the heart of the brand always remains the same: fostering meaningful connection and community. Giving back is a key part of that mission. At every experience, guests are asked to bring something to contribute—whether it’s non-perishable food, gently used clothing, books, or personal care items for shelters. It’s a small but powerful reminder that we all live in this community together.
Why They Chose the Thrift Store
What inspired Gerry and Can I Bring a Friend? to donate to The Salvation Army Thrift Store, was the long-standing impact The Salvation Army has in communities.
“Salvation Army does so much to help communities, and we felt the need to support an organization that already has programs in place. We know The Salvation Army helps children’s camps, shelters and foodbanks and we thought that by donating we would be contributing to the community and these programs,” Gerry shared.
With approximately 1,000 attendees at each Can I Bring a Friend? event the donations truly add up. The May event turned into what Gerry described as “a true mountain of bags, each one carried in by someone who wanted to give back.”
We are sincerely grateful to Gerry and Can I Bring a Friend? for helping us care for our shared communities!
Want to Get Involved?
If your organization would like to give back in a meaningful way, consider hosting a Donation Drive with us. Learn more about hosting a Donation Drive and sign up.