ReStore Upcycle Challenge is Back
Repurpose and Win - a Win-Win for You and the Environment
On Earth Day 2024, the Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North (Habitat VIN) ReStores are kicking off their third Upcycle Challenge after a year of hiatus. The competition is back with a few changes this year! There are two chances to win a $100.00 gift card to one of the ReStores. The two categories are Best Upcycle Project and a Random Draw, ensuring that those new to upcycling have a fair chance of taking a prize home! The event will run in two series. Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. The competition encourages reusing pieces purchased at the ReStore that may have otherwise ended up in landfills.
Upcycling is a great way to keep items out of the landfill. It also gives you a refurbished or redesigned piece of furniture for a fraction of what you would pay for new! You can unleash your inner artist or decorator and bring a brand new look to your home or garden!” - Gail Burr, Campbell River ReStore Manager.
In 2023, the Comox Valley and Campbell River ReStores helped divert 600 tons of product from the landfill, which awarded Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North the 2023 Sustainability Award from the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. The ReStores want to increase their environmental impact by calling all do-it-yourself enthusiasts and novices to make a difference with the ReStore Upcycle Challenge.
We can’t take all the credit for putting this contest together. The inspiration comes from many of our wonderful volunteers who regularly refurbish, reuse, rebuild, and repurpose items and turn them into something new and wonderful. Quite often, our amazing volunteers will then donate their creations back to the ReStore to further support our mission of building affordable homes, for which we are grateful.” - Kayla Tinga, Comox Valley ReStore Manager.
Upcycle Challenge Inspiration
To Enter the Contest:
Use items purchased from one of Habitat VIN’s ReStores in an upcycling or home renovation project and submit a photo and description. Eighty percent of materials must be from the Campbell River or the Comox Valley ReStore. Entrants who participated in the past must submit a new project.
If you are unclear on what upcycling is, or how to start check out this blog, for more inspiration and to see entries from past years.