Everything you need to know about how CityServe Vancouver works and how you can get involved
Whether you’re exploring a partnership, applying to receive goods, or looking for ways to volunteer, these answers provide clarity on the process and what to expect. Our goal is to make it easy to take the next step toward meaningful community impact.
CityServe Vancouver is a collaborative initiative that connects businesses with excess goods to local charities and community organizations that serve people in need. Operating through the leadership of with Coastal Church, we help receive, store, and distribute essential items across Metro Vancouver.
CityServe Vancouver operates through the leadership of Coastal Church, which provides administration, volunteer coordination, warehouse operations, and distribution support. We also work closely with trusted nonprofit and community partners throughout the region.
We distribute new, unused goods-in-kind (GIK) such as:
Clothing and footwear
Household essentials
Hygiene and personal care items
Seasonal goods
Select non-perishable items
All items are donated by corporate and retail partners.
Corporate partners donate goods-in-kind
CityServe Vancouver receives and stores items in our warehouse
Approved charities and organizations request items
Volunteers help sort, prepare, and distribute goods to the community
This ensures items are distributed efficiently, responsibly, and with dignity.
Registered charities, nonprofits, and community organizations serving people in need within Metro Vancouver may apply to receive goods.
All organizations must:
Complete an application
Meet eligibility requirements
Be approved by the CityServe Vancouver team
Approval helps ensure fair and appropriate distribution.
Organizations must complete an application form to be considered. Once submitted, applications are reviewed by the Vancouver team.
Approved organizations will be notified and given next steps.
Goods are provided at no cost. Recipient organizations are responsible for pickup, coordination logistics, and applicable administrative fees.
Businesses with surplus or overstocked items can partner with CityServe Vancouver by:
Donating goods-in-kind
Helping reduce waste
Supporting local community impact
Corporate partners play a vital role in making this work possible.
CityServe Vancouver follows a structured approval and request process to ensure goods are distributed equitably, responsibly, and in alignment with community needs.
Distribution decisions are made collaboratively with partner organizations.
Yes! Volunteers help with:
Sorting and preparing donated goods
Warehouse support
Distribution assistance
Volunteer opportunities are coordinated through Coastal Church.
CityServe Vancouver serves Metro Vancouver and surrounding communities, with warehouse operations based locally.