Give A Shirt Society

Give A Shirt Society is a Canadian registered nonprofit charity established in 2017 that focuses on collecting children's clothing in Alberta and sending it to orphanages in Laos. The organization operates with the goal of improving the quality of life for children living in poverty in Laos, providing them with clothing and hope for a better future.

Background and Mission

Laos is one of the poorest countries in the world, with an average annual income of approximately $900. The country has been heavily affected by unexploded ordnance, leftover from the Vietnam War, which continues to pose dangers and restrict agricultural land use. The average life expectancy in Laos is about 47 years, and many children lose their parents early, ending up in orphanages where they often arrive with nothing but the clothes they wear. The Laos government provides only minimal financial support to orphanages—around $20 per month per child—leaving many basic needs unmet.

Give A Shirt Society was founded to address some of these challenges by collecting and sending clothing donations to orphanages and surrounding villages in Laos. Since its inception, the charity has shipped at least six full shipping containers (seacans), each requiring about 50,000 items of clothing, and is continuously working to fill more. This effort relies heavily on the generosity of donors and volunteers in Alberta[4][1].

Operations

The society collects used children’s clothing from donors in Alberta and organizes these items into shipments destined for Laos. The organization operates on a schedule typically shipping a container of clothing every two years. Donations to the society help supply clothing not only to orphanages but also to vulnerable youth in surrounding communities.

Contributors who donate clothing or funds to purchase clothing receive acknowledgment through printable certificates, affirming their contribution to the cause. These initiatives ensure each donated clothing item personally reaches a child in need, tracked and delivered by the society’s volunteers and staff[3].

Registration and Governance

Give A Shirt Society is officially registered as a Canadian charity with the Canada Revenue Agency under the business registration number 811611995RR0001. It complies with the regulatory requirements governing registered charitable organizations in Canada. The society is headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, and maintains transparent fundraising and operational practices to maximize the impact of its donations[2].

Impact

The charity has made a significant positive impact on the lives of children in Laos through the provision of essential clothing. These efforts help improve living conditions in orphanages and offer dignity and comfort to children who often arrive with inadequate clothing. By supporting orphanages and local villages, Give A Shirt Society contributes to alleviating some hardships faced by vulnerable children and families in one of the world’s poorest regions[4][1].

This summary consolidates available information about the Give A Shirt Society, highlighting its purpose, activities, and charitable status as a Canadian nonprofit aiding children in Laos.