Sharpen Our Communities
From the beginning, Candace and I have tried to leave things better than we found them, wherever possible. We aim to Sharpen Our Communities, meaning we want to make a positive impact on the communities intersecting with the Knifewear Group.
- Kevin Kent, Knifewear Founder and Knifenerd
How it started
Established in 2023 by Knifewear founders Kevin and Candace, the Knifewear Foundation was created to increase our contributions from knife sharpening and to enhance our donation strategies.
Every year, 50% of all sharpening earnings are given to those in need. We began this initiative in 2011 to support tsunami relief in Japan and have continued ever since. Through our Knifewear Group, we have donated over $1.5 million to various organizations over the years.
How it works
Every day, people trust us to sharpen their dull knives, with half of the proceeds funding Knifewear Foundation activities. This simple initiative helps us generate donations year-round.
What we are doing
To date we have donated $1,524,983 to causes in our communities such as Centre for Autism Services Alberta, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Skipping Stone Foundation, Operation Come Home, Growing Chefs, the Red Cross, Soul Food Street Farms and many more.
In addition to cash donations, Knifewear has done clothing drives, lent our social media and voice to causes we support, does training with our staff with organizations like Skipping Stone, and having our carbon footprint measured so we can work towards reducing it company-wide via policy changes and staff initiatives.
Whats Next
We have a fantastic team taking on this challenge. Folks with a wide variety of backgrounds & life experiences, each providing their unique perspective & skills to this endeavour.
When we take in your knives for sharpening, know that we give half of the proceeds to charities focused on sharpening community wellbeing. Knifewear also works hard to make our shops and communities more inclusive, positive, and environmentally responsible.
Recent contributions from the Knifewear Foundation
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Kapwa Strong
On Saturday, April 26th, Filipino communities everywhere were shaken by a terrible act of violence at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver. The team wants to help, so we've organized a fundraiser next week for the Kapwa Strong Fund. This fund was organized by Filipino BC, the organization behind the festival, in collaboration with United Way BC. 100% of donations to United Way BC will help provide immediate assistance, counselling, trauma services, and other critical support as the community begins to heal. Thank you Karima in Vancouver for doing the research to find this cause! From May 5th to 11th, 2025, 100% of proceeds from every knife you sharpen will go to the Kapwa Strong Fund. -
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation 2024 with True North Aid
In recognition of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, 100% of proceeds from sharpening services from September 23 to 29, 2024 was donated to True North Aid, totally $13,032.18. Kenneth Smid, Executive Director of True North Aid was able to tell how the money would be used
"Such major contributions enable the charity to send truckloads of food, baby goods, educational resources and hygiene products to northern and remote Indigenous communities. Deliveries include backpacks full of school supplies, books by Indigenous authors and brand-new beds, bedding and mattresses. Goods are flown-in to areas not accessible by road. Projects are funded to help address the outcomes of residential schools on generations of Indigenous peoples. " -
Jasper Wildfire Relief
We're heartbroken by the damage wrought by wildfires on the town and people of Jasper, but heartened by the incredible support Albertans have given to help Jasper get back on their feet. We're doing our part by donating $15,000 from the Knifewear Foundation to Jasper Wildfire Relief through the Canada Red Cross, and we encourage businesses and individuals to donate or help however they are able.
