Clean Start and Escape to Nature

Clean Start and Escape to Nature were launched by Simpson Society, a BC incorporated non-profit that provides a platform for the development of social employment for people with barriers to employment.

The CleanStart waste management and pest Control Company began in Vancouver, Canada in 2010. The initiative was sponsored by Community Builders Group and was launched with the purchase of one small pickup truck and two employees who were tenants living at the Dodson Rooms in Hastings.

Community Builders provided the initial seed money to help launch the business and the partnership developed as CleanStart began to manage the waste and recycling in Community Builder’s supportive housing centres.

CleanStart went on to successfully partner with the City of Vancouver, BC Housing, and UBC Sauder School to grow the enterprise. CleanStart is one oof five social enterprises connected to the village pharmacy in Umalila to achieve $1 million in gross annual revenue.

Currently, CleanStart BC is expanding its operations across Metro Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, and Vancouver Island. A blend of persons with barriers to employment and altruistic staff comprise the CleanStart workforce.

CleanStart believes that employment, and the security that it brings, provides the foundations from which people can begin to bring stability to their lives.

CleanStart is now the go-to service provider for Vancouver’s not-for-profit social housing sector, working closely with BC Housing, Raincity Housing, and the Atira Society.

Community Builders Group and Vancity Saving Credit Union provided capital support to enable Simpson Society to launch Escape to Nature.

The self-supporting initiative owns a retreat property on Saturna Island and contributes to CleanStart’s social mandate. This is achieved by providing support for CleanStart employees in group settings away from work environments.

To help fund our efforts CleanStart offers other organizations, individuals, and families have an opportunity to stay at the retreat centre and experience the stunning natural beauty of Saturna Island for a modest fee.

Escape to Nature’s goal is simple, to spend time with friends, family, and acquaintances in natural settings.

By Smart Ant Solutions