We’ve Officially Raised $100,000 in Support of our Community!
Back in 2017 we had a crazy idea to try to marry 8 couples in one day. It was a stunt for a TV show and we thought it would be a fun challenge. We launched on social media and sold out in 3 weeks. We even had to add a 9th spot because a couple begged us to do so.
After that, we had this nagging feeling that maybe this little idea could be an actual business. For so long we had been frustrated with the wedding industry. We felt like it was lacking meaning and purpose as we spent hours planning expensive parties yet weren’t sure how it was contributing to the greater good. We know now that celebration is important to the greater good (thanks for this lesson COVID!) but we couldn't always see it at the time. We were blinded by the waste that the event industry creates and the lack of opportunities we had to use our teams talents to give back to the community on a meaningful level.
This feeling matched with the success of the first Chapel gave us an idea: what if we could create Pop-up Chapel’s that allow vendors to collaborate on something that would make a difference in the local community, give couples a shared experience that reduced wedding day waste and included literally everyone no matter their gender, sexuality or religion?
Five years later and we are humbled to say that by May 2022 we've married over 400 couples through our chapels and raised over $100,000 for charities and non-profit organizations across Canada. We do everything we can to choose charities that support marginalized youth, the environment, animals, children and that champion the arts. We give vendors the opportunity to use their creativity and skills in a meaningful way and take part in something bigger. We work with couples of all kinds and prioritize the simplification of our processes to keep Chapels sustainable, accessible and affordable.
It's been incredible, exciting and emotional to watch this business grow. Our entire team is indebted to the brave couples who choose to buck tradition and begin their marriage by contributing to bettering the lives of others. Here's to the next 400 couples and to the next $100,000 donated. We know we can do it!
We wanted to take a moment to highlight a few of the charities we have supported over the last 5 years. Please take a moment to connect with their stories and make a donation to one that speaks to you.
Some of the Partners we proudly work alongside focus on creating a more inclusive, attentive and humane Healthcare System. For example, the Alzheimer Society strives to promote the search for causes, treatments and a cure of Alzheimer's and related diseases. Besides offering programs and raising funds, they bring forth public awareness and knowledge of dementia so people affected by it can make their personal and shared experiences known and their voices heard. Other Partners who work on Healthcare include: SickKids, Women's College Hospital and Campfire Circle.
Some of our Partners advocate for youth wellness. For example, SKETCH's main purpose is to place young people with lived experiences of the margins in supported opportunities to produce art and engage and transform their communities. They represent the vision that young people can dismantle systems of oppression and lead us into a just, creative, inclusive and sustainable future. Another remarkable examples include SAEFTY and Pathways of Education.
Some of our Partners work to improve the health and well-being of Black communities, like Black Women in Motion who partner with community agencies, organizations and projects across the city and province, that advocate, uplift and support Black women, girls, gender-non-conforming and non binary folks. Additional examples include: Black Health Alliance and Black Legal Action Centre.
Some of our Partners search to foster more accessible opportunities to communities in need. An example is True North Aid who provides practical humanitarian and help ensure the dignity and health of Indigenous people through actions. Another examples include United Way, Afri-Can FoodBasket, Twelve and Art Gallery of Hamilton. Closely knitted to these beliefs, we also work with Covenant House Vancouver and Shepherds of Good Hope Ottawa who support people experiencing homelessness.
Part of our drive is giving back to the environment, so we champion Partners whose work centers on creating a healthier climate, protect biodiversity and involve all communities on this mission. For example, our Partner One Tree Planted believes we can restore forests, create habitat for biodiversity, and make a positive social impact around the world through reforestation. Another exceptional presence working in Toronto is Evergreen. Our friends at Fetch + Release and Save Our Scruff lend their initiatives to rescuing dogs from unfortunate situations and provide safe forever homes through adoption, education and advocacy.
We are always on the lookout for new charities to support and would love your suggestions. Contact us to share your suggestions.
- The Pop-Up Chapel Co. Team