Established in 2026, Mary’s Helping Hand represents a heartfelt commitment to giving back to the communities we serve. The initiative was founded on two powerful ideas: creating a meaningful culture of giving within Hills Moving and honoring the legacy of Mary House—a dedicated volunteer whose kindness and community spirit positively impacted countless lives across Durham Region for more than two decades.
The inspiration for Mary’s Helping Hand first emerged from a simple but common observation during moving services. Families often have gently used clothing—particularly items children have outgrown or winter jackets they no longer need. These items are frequently packed away in bags, only to be discarded or moved to a new home where they remain unused.
Recognizing an opportunity to make a difference, Hills Moving saw a way to bridge this gap. Instead of letting these items go to waste, the company began collecting clothing donations during moves and redistributing them to individuals and families in the community experiencing economic hardship. Through partnerships with local not-for-profit organizations, these donations are delivered directly to those who need them most.
The second inspiration behind Mary’s Helping Hand is deeply personal. Mary House, the grandmother of Hills Moving co-owner David Gribben, spent decades volunteering and serving others. She dedicated her time to organizations such as Lakeridge Health and the John Street Seniors Centre. Her compassion extended far beyond routine volunteering—most notably during the events surrounding September 11, 2001, when she helped support stranded travelers in Gander, Newfoundland during the global aviation shutdown.
Mary’s unwavering commitment to helping others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Mary’s Helping Hand continues her legacy by supporting low-income individuals and families through clothing assistance and community partnerships.
Currently, donations are collected exclusively during customers’ moves, with a focus on clothing items—particularly winter jackets. While the program hopes to expand in the future to accept donations from additional sources, its immediate priority remains ensuring that contributions reach individuals and families who genuinely need them.
Mary’s Helping Hand is more than a charitable initiative—it’s a reminder that even small actions can create meaningful change. By turning everyday moments into opportunities for generosity, Hills Moving hopes to strengthen community connections and contribute to a more compassionate and inclusive society.
“Mary’s Helping Hand not only honors a remarkable woman’s legacy but also demonstrates how businesses can use their strengths to make a meaningful social impact. By turning everyday actions into acts of kindness, it inspires a collective effort toward building a resilient and compassionate community. My grandmother taught me that.”
— David Gribben, Co-Owner, Hills Moving
To learn more about this initiative or how you can directly help please click here.
