Work Boots Needed: Nanaimo Men's Centre Needs Help

August 15, 2025

The Men's Centre in Nanaimo is once again asking the community to step up – quite literally – with donations of gently used work boots and safety gear for their Boots to Suits program.

After a theft last year depleted much of their inventory, the centre was grateful to receive a wave of donations. But demand hasn't slowed down, and today, the shelves are nearly bare again. The program provides essential gear – boots, hard hats, vests, goggles, and more – to men preparing to re-enter the workforce.

"There's all sorts of different organizations that help men get back to work and they connect with [the centre]," Men's Centre executive assistant Marilyn Watson told Nanaimo News Bulletin. "I don't even know if I have more than two vests left because usually the fellows that come in, they need all of it, goggles, hard hats," Watson said.

The centre is specifically seeking steel-toed safety boots in any size (especially sizes 10 and 11), as well as other protective equipment to help workers gear up and get on the job safely.

Donations can be dropped off at 418D Fitzwilliam Street during business hours: Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information or to arrange a donation, contact Marilyn Watson at marilyn.watson@themenscentre.ca or call 250-716-1551.

You can also learn more about the program or donate online at themenscentre.ca/boots-to-suits.