History

Since its founding, Renaissance Québec has been committed to transforming lives and communities through social inclusion, employment and sustainable development. Discover the story of our impact and actions that are shaping a better future.

1994
1995
1996
2000
2002
2004
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2014
2016
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
1994

Renaissance was born in June. The leaders of the Moisson Montreal food bank have developed a unique and independent Quebec model.

1995

On June 17, 1995, Renaissance inaugurates its first Fripe-Prix store, in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension Borough. Renaissance becomes a member of the Goodwill Industries International network and the Collectif des entreprises d’insertion du Québec.

1995
1996

Renaissance obtains its first financing from Emploi-Québec for insertion activities.

2000

Renaissance has 5 stores and is in the process of creating a sorting centre (distribution) in Saint-Laurent.

2002

Renaissance is officially accredited by Emploi-Québec and is recognized as an insertion enterprise.

2004

With the help of a loan from the Caisse d’économie solidaire, Renaissance purchased the building where its head office was located, which the organization had been renting for ten years.

2008

Renaissance launched the concept of a “permanent donation centre” where staff members welcome donors. The first concept opened on Nuns’ Island, on Chemin du Golf. Three new centres will follow during the year.

2008
2009

Renaissance organizes its first Renaissance Challenge, a public collection of clothing and other household goods, which takes the form of a friendly competition between municipalities and boroughs of Greater Montreal.

2010

Renaissance moves its distribution centre to a 27,500 square foot location on Côte-de-Liesse Road. The organization inaugurates its 10th Fripe-Prix store in Laval, on Des Laurentides Blvd.

2010
2011

Renaissance opens its liquidation centre, where goods are sold by weight. The organization wins a Phénix of environment award in the category of “non-profit organization, waste management”.

2011
2012

Renaissance innovates and launches a new concept of bookstore-gift centre on Plateau-Mont-Royal. Two other openings followed during the year. The organization won a Desjardins Entrepreneurs Award in the “sustainable development” category. The award was based on the organization’s effective management of its social responsibility in environmental matters.

2012
2014

Level 2 Recognition “Implementation of the Ici on recycle! program” from Recyc-Québec. Valid for two years, this award recognizes the efforts made by Renaissance to increase reuse and to raise awareness among its teams about the sound management of residual materials.

2016

The Renaissance distribution and liquidation centre are moving. The new address of these two establishments is 5900 Ferrier Street, in the Côte-des-Neiges / Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.

2016
2018

Mr. Éric St-Arnaud takes over from Mr. Pierre Legault and becomes Executive Director of Renaissance.

2019

Renaissance puts an end to plastic bags in all its stores to fight for the environment, and opens two donation centres in Brossard.

2020

Renaissance officially rolled out its new brand image and reached 1,000 permanent employees.

2020
2020

The organization also opens its first Renaissance thrift store in the West Island, at the Galeries des Sources in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, and moves the Laurentian thrift store.

2020
2021

Renaissance opens its first thrift store outside of the Greater Montreal area at Promenades King in Sherbrooke in partnership with Récupex.

2021
2021

The organization also launched its Textile waste reduction pilot project, in partnership with Vestechpro, and subsidized by the City of Montreal.

2021
2022

In partnership with Réno-Jouets, the organization opens its Toy Valorization Centre on De Rome Blvd.

2022
2022

Renaissance also opens its 4th boutique on Papineau and its 10th bookstore on Saint-Denis Street in Montreal.

2022
2023

Renaissance arrives in the Lower Laurentians with the opening of its 18th thrift store at Galeries Mille-Îles in Rosemère.

2023
2023

Renaissance is also coming to Ville d’Anjou with a new donation center and bookstore at 7168, rue Bombardier.

2023