Here are answers to the questions we’re asked most often about our service.
What is your service area?
We happily pick up books for free within Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Vaughan, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, and Markham
How does your service differ from others who accept book donations?
There are many places to donate books like Value Village or The Salvation Army. What makes us unique is our focus on making the experience modern, effortless and friendly. Being a local, Canadian socially responsible small business also differentiates us. Plus, we’re a giving service, making sure your book donation supports CAMH – Canada’s leading mental health and addiction hospital.
What percentage of sales do you donate to CAMH?
We want our free service to be sustainable, while also allowing us to be consistent with our contributions. We donate 20% of net profits quarterly from book sales.
What kind of books do you accept? Do you accept books in other languages besides english?
We accept gently used fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, business and self-help books. We accept most books as long as they are in good condition. We do not accept textbooks, encyclopaedias or magazines. Children’s books are accepted if they are clean and without pencil/pen markings. We only accept books in english.
Why do you support CAMH: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health?
We lost family members to battles with depression, so mental health is something we’re passionate about. With CAMH providing life-changing support, reducing stigma, and leading vital research for a healthier and more compassionate future, we believe in their mission and the works they are doing so we want to support them.
Where do the books go?
Books are sold online exclusively within Canada, others find new homes through donations and some are recycled.
20% of net profits quarterly goes to CAMH, where does the rest go?
As a small, local and socially responsible business, the remaining funds are reinvested into running and growing Donate Differently. Covering operating costs including fuel, labour, moving supplies, shipping, storage fees, web hosting, insurance, accounting, and ongoing marketing and advertising.
How do I prepare for pickup?
We accept a minimum of 30 books per pickup. Place your books in boxes, ensuring each box weighs less than 50 lb. Alternatively, you can place your books in sturdy reusable bags. Keep your boxes or bags in a dry, sheltered spot, such as a porch. If rain is in the forecast and the books are exposed to the elements, consider covering them with a large plastic garbage bag to keep them dry.
Do you pickup other items like CDs?
Unfortunately not, Donate Differently is focused exclusively on books.
Are you independent of CAMH with the exception of them being a beneficiary of your contributions?
That is correct, we are 100% independent from CAMH but it’s an organization we want to support because Canada is experiencing a mental health crisis marked by increasing rates of depression, anxiety and suicide. We want to use our book pickup and removal service to help make a difference.
Do you do large scale bulk pickups?
No, we specialize in curated, small-batch book pickups, not bulk junk removal. We limit our pickups to a maximum of 500 books or the equivalent of 12 boxes (12″ x 18″ x 11″)
I have very old books can you still pick them up?
Those kinds of books aren’t the main focus of our pickups because antique books aren’t our specialty. Another service may be better suited for that type of collection, but we’d still be glad to see how we can help.
Do you help with hoarding situations?
Typically not, we might not be the right service for you and a large bulk pickup service might be a better fit. However please feel free to connect with us so we can better understand and see if we can help.
