"Thank you ever so much for you contribution! Your Cut Like A Chef Class donation was such a Hot Ticket item, it literally generated a 1/3 of our events financial success!"
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.
Testimonials
"Our organization was honored to receive a donation from the Knifewear Foundation in February 2023. It helped us accomplish some important things to support Indigenous communities facing water challenges. One of our success stories that you made possible was the completion of our 4th cohort of Drinking Water Interns who came from First Nation communities in the North Shore Tribal Council."
"We help youth experiencing homelessness and receive a lot of support from Knifewear. The team cares a lot, which our youth pick up on right away. They support us with giving, volunteering, mentorship, and advice. Some of our clients found their way out of homelessness thanks to their help."
"In addition to their impressive Japanese knives, Knifewear is also remarkable for their community support! Thank you from the Be Brave Ranch on behalf of all the little warriors you have helped on their healing journeys from child sexual abuse with your ongoing donation support. It means a lot to many!"
"With Knifewear’s support, we were able to offer many childhood experiences and memories of summer camp to Autistic individuals ages 3 - 17. This year alone, Knifewear’s support of our Summer Camps for children and teens has helped to provide 132 participants with the opportunity to attend camp."
"The Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield appreciates the donations received towards our silent auction, which benefits the students at Brightview Elementary School. The 'Cuts Like a Chef' class offers a unique experience that the recipients have well received."
"Our gala successfully took place on March 14th, raising funds through our silent auction to be donated to Water Warriors YEG. The money will go towards providing water, food, clothing, hygiene products, and Harm Reduction to unhoused people in Edmonton. We could not have done it without your help, so we thank you greatly for your donation!"
