Inaugural Building Material Drive Launched in Mid-Vancouver Island

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The Building Material Exchange and Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island have initiated a drive encouraging local construction businesses to donate surplus materials, promoting sustainability and community support.

NANAIMO, B.C. — The Building Material Exchange (BMEx) program, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island, has officially kicked off the first-ever "Don’t Dump it, Donate it" Building Material Drive. This six-week initiative seeks to engage the Mid-Vancouver Island construction industry in donating surplus and salvaged building materials to the Habitat ReStore instead of disposing of them in landfills. Designed as more than just a donation effort, this initiative encourages a friendly competition among local companies to showcase their commitment to building material reuse.
Companies participating in the drive will receive acknowledgment throughout the campaign, with a special emphasis on the organization that contributes the largest amount of reusable materials. The winner will be announced during the annual ReStore Summer Social event scheduled for September 7. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association Vancouver Island (CHBAVI) is backing the initiative and has called upon its network of members to join this inaugural collection drive.
Kerriann Coady, CEO of CHBAVI, emphasized the significant role builders play in shaping their communities. She stated, "The Building Material Drive is a chance for our industry to take that impact one step further by keeping valuable materials in use and supporting a cause that benefits our entire region." Coady encouraged members to actively participate, rally their teams, and donate consistently over the next six weeks, highlighting the potential for collective achievement within the construction sector.
B Gallant Homes Ltd., a member of CHBA-VI, has been proactive in donating surplus building materials from its residential projects to Habitat ReStore. John Peace, operations manager and partner at B Gallant Homes, remarked on the importance of quality materials in home construction, stating that partnering with Habitat for Humanity extends their impact into the wider community. He noted, "Donating these materials isn’t just about reducing jobsite waste; it’s about structural sustainability and helping neighbors build a solid foundation for the future."
The collection of donated materials will take place at Habitat ReStore locations in Nanaimo and Duncan, with free pickup services available for qualifying donations from job sites and warehouses throughout the region. In addition, Habitat for Humanity will provide charitable tax receipts for the materials donated.
Since its inception in 2024, the BMEx program has successfully engaged over 600 companies in the Regional District of Nanaimo. Ava Campbell, circular impact lead at Light House, pointed out that construction waste often includes usable surplus products, such as old warehouse stock or leftover materials from completed projects. She stated, "This campaign creates an easy pathway for those materials to stay in use."
Since 1991, Habitat ReStores have successfully diverted over 1 billion pounds of reusable materials from landfills. The proceeds from these donations significantly contribute to funding Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing projects across Mid-Vancouver Island. Sarah Bramley, interim executive director of Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island, emphasized the direct impact of donations on building affordable housing. She stated, "When contractors donate surplus building materials, they’re doing far more than clearing a warehouse or job site. Those materials are given a second life through our ReStores, and the proceeds from every sale help fund affordable homeownership opportunities for local families."
For further details about accepted materials, scheduling a pickup, or participating in the campaign, interested parties can find more information through the provided channels.

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