Families in Port Alberni, British Columbia, can pick up free baby items and nursery gear during a community giveaway on January 17 and January 18, 2026. The event will take place at 5334 Argyle Street — the Carmoor Block location that houses Forage Community Thrift Store and Kismet Quilts — to help local households manage the rising costs of raising children on a tight budget.
Organizers are offering essential supplies such as strollers, car seats, and clothing to anyone who needs them. The giveaway will be held at the building shared by Forage Community Thrift Store and Kismet Quilts, two long-standing Argyle Street businesses that serve local families and makers.
This initiative comes as many residents face a growing gap between their paycheques and the cost of basic needs. The 2025 Living Wage BC report (reported in local coverage) put Port Alberni’s living wage at $22.60 per hour — the second lowest in the province — even as housing and rental costs have increased rapidly.
The giveaway relies on items donated by neighbours and follows a long tradition of residents helping each other in the Alberni Valley. Families can find similar support year-round through the Port Alberni Free (TrashNothing) online group, which helps people exchange household goods at no cost.
Organizers say items will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis; grassroots giveaways like this typically do not require proof of income. Those accepting car seats or other safety equipment should check manufacturer guidance and expiry dates before using secondhand items; the Research Dossier does not confirm whether donated car seats will be safety-inspected on site,.
