About Us
What We Do
LINKING HOPE is a registered nonprofit organization committed to serving our community.
We operate as a “Dealer for Hope,” connecting businesses and individuals with surplus supplies to local grassroots agencies that distribute these resources to those in need.
Our Process
Collection: We collect surplus items—clothing, household goods, mattresses, hygiene products, and food—from generous businesses and individuals.
Sorting: We sort and prepare new items for distribution in our warehouse.
Distribution: We collaborate with established nonprofit agencies to ensure these items reach the community members who need them most.
Our Mission
Link businesses and individuals with surplus supplies, products, or volunteer time to local grassroots organizations supporting our community members.
Our Vision
A community of hope, where we unite to lend a hand to those in need.
Our Structure
LINKING HOPE functions as a supply chain that connects essential items, volunteers, and support from businesses and individuals to non-profit agencies assisting our community.
Linking Hope's primary functions include:
Supply Chain Management: We gather new and gently used supplies (e.g., clothing, household items) from businesses and individuals, sort and decommission them, and distribute them to community agencies directly connected to those in need.
Volunteer Support: Connect community volunteers with nonprofit agencies.
Strategic Support: Assist nonprofit agencies with fundraising and strategic planning.
How This is Done
Thanks to dedicated volunteers, we maintain a streamlined process that includes picking up, sorting, decommissioning, organizing, and gifting items within a 24-hour turnaround. Timely distribution is essential for meeting the immediate needs of individuals in our community. Our centralized warehouse enables efficient receiving, shipping, and access to resources.
We partner with various agencies and have received grants, including support from The Winnipeg Foundation, to help cover operational costs. Collaborations with groups like Winnipeg’s Downtown Community Safety Patrol (DCSP), N’dinawemak, CommUNITY204, and OPK assist us in coordinating efforts with volunteers and delivery drivers.
Why is This Important
Linking Hope collaborates directly with existing agencies that may lack the connections, time, volunteers, or storage space to collect items for community members in need.
Our impact is felt among a diverse group of individuals and families, including low-income households, single-parent families, refugees, immigrants, women and families escaping domestic violence, Indigenous community members at risk of homelessness, and those who are homeless.
At Linking Hope, we provide a welcoming and safe space where individuals can choose the items they need without judgment. This is essential, as those we serve often feel marginalized and unsupported. By offering an inclusive environment, we restore dignity to our clients. Whether it’s a new shirt for a job interview, a dress for graduation, or necessary workwear for a new job, we strive to meet their needs.
With the support of unique donors and dedicated volunteers, Linking Hope assists where help is most needed.
Who We Are
Founder & Board Chair
Kristie Pearson is the founder and President of LINKING HOPE. With her extensive experience in fundraising and strategic initiatives, she has collaborated with numerous charitable organizations, including Inclusion Winnipeg, the Riverview Hospital Foundation, the Children’s Hospital Foundation, Thrive Community Support Circle, the Rainbow Resource Centre, the Y Winnipeg Downtown Capital Campaign, and Clan Mothers Healing Village & Knowledge Centre. Recently, Kristie co-chaired a successful campaign for the United Way of Winnipeg, raising over $22.8 million alongside her husband, Doug.
Executive Director
Spatch brings over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector. He has established youth and cultural programs for organizations like MaMawi, West Broadway, Lord Selkirk Developments, and Bear Clan. Currently, Spatch serves as the Operations Manager for N’Dinawemak, an Indigenous-led shelter. Additionally, he is a member of the Juno Award-winning bands Eagle and Hawk, and the Juno-nominated band Indian City.
Board Member
Rob Crowley is a retired businessman with 40 years of experience in the clothing industry. For the past 20 years, he has been actively involved in providing essential apparel to underserved and vulnerable populations. Collaborating with over 15 national retailers and manufacturers, Rob has effectively repurposed both new and used clothing and footwear, distributing them to more than 30 charitable organizations across Winnipeg.
Board Member
Shannon Johnson is a professional manager with extensive marketing and sales management, operations management, communication, and program design and delivery expertise. She has spent 13 years in the financial sector at TD Asset Management and TD Waterhouse, where she held senior-level positions. Shannon has dedicated 18 years to Manitoba Hydro in various roles, including establishing Manitoba Hydro’s Affordable Energy Unit and overseeing the licensing processes for Bipole III and the Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Lines. She now serves as the Director of Distribution Operations and Management for the City of Winnipeg. Additionally, Shannon has contributed her leadership skills as President of the Canadian Club of Winnipeg, a Board member of Fort Whyte Alive, a Board member of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, an auction committee member for the Rainbow Society, and a Board member at the Winnipeg Winter Club.
Board Member
Liz dedicated her career to the financial services industry, where she developed expertise in project management, marketing, and communications. Throughout the years, Liz has focused on giving back to her community and is a strong advocate for community service activities. She has served on various Boards and Committees, including Fort Whyte Alive, the Canadian Advocate for the Adoption of Children, and the Victoria General Hospital Foundation. Currently, Liz is involved with the DASCH Foundation, Winnipeg Winter Club, Thrive Community Support Circle, and Linking Hope.
How We Started
This sourcing and distribution model has been informally utilized for the past 20 years by Lawrence Mullhall (Spatch) and Rob Crowley. Originally, it operated under ‘PROJECT ECHO’ and ‘Sam’s Christmas.’ Clothing and food hampers were collected, sorted, and distributed to more than 20 local agencies in collaboration with partners such as True North, BISON Transport, Sturgeon Creek High School, Sportchek, and Mark’s Work Wearhouse.
Since COVID-19, Kristie Pearson has initiated this small non-profit from her garage, collecting and distributing items with the help of her extensive volunteer network. She has fostered partnerships with numerous local businesses and agencies.
Many grassroots organizations have reached out to us, expressing their gratitude for our support and their need for assistance to address the needs of their communities. We offer them a complimentary service to allow them to concentrate on their essential work in supporting our community.
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