Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) is inviting community members to breathe new life into old furniture as part of an upcoming contest.
In partnership with Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre, Habitat PKR has launched the 2025 instalment of “The Big Flip” furniture-flipping contest, which challenges participants to prevent waste by taking a used furniture piece and giving it a fresh new look.
An initiative in celebration of Earth Day on April 22, last year’s contest saw 46 participants transform furniture, with 20 contestants sourcing pieces from a Habitat PKR ReStore, six repurposing pieces they already had at home, and five refinishing pieces they found curbside.
“We’re hoping for even more participation this year, with a goal of doubling last year’s entries,” Holly O’Connor, Habitat PKR’s communications and marketing manager, told kawarthaNOW.
The year’s contest has two new categories: “Big & Bold” for large furniture including dressers, bedframes, desks, couches, and coffee tables, and “Small but Mighty” for smaller projects like stools, wall hangings, lamps, and chairs.
“It would be amazing to have 92 participants in The Big Flip across our two new categories, but what excites us most is seeing the incredible creativity and transformations from our community,” O’Connor said. “It’s such a fun reminder that furniture can be given a second life, helping to keep items out of landfills.”
Participants are encouraged to find a piece of furniture to transform at one of the three ReStores in Peterborough, Lakefield, and Lindsay. Contestants must document their transformation with three photos that capture the piece before, during, and after the flip.
“The Big Flip is a great way to celebrate Earth Day while inspiring creativity and sustainability,” said Habitat PKR CEO Susan Zambonin in a media release. “By giving old furniture new life, participants help reduce waste and support Habitat ReStores’ environmental impact. We’re excited to see this year’s incredible transformations and the community engagement it brings.”
The winner of the “Big & Bold” category, who will be determined by community votes, will receive a $500 Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre gift card, a $100 ReStore gift card, and a year-long Peterborough Tool Library membership. The winner of the “Small but Mighty” category, who will be selected by Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre staff, will receive a $250 Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre gift card, a $50 ReStore gift card, and a year-long Peterborough Tool Library membership.
Submissions will be accepted until midnight on Wednesday, April 30, with community voting for the “Big & Bold” taking place from May 1 and 8. Contest details, entry information, and voting instructions are available at www.thebigflip.ca.
“No matter how many people take part, the best outcome is seeing our community come together to champion sustainability in such a creative way for Earth Day,” O’Connor said.
Habitat PKR is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting affordable homeownership. Habitat prides itself in providing a “hand-up” not a “hand-out” to lower-income families by offering no down payment and geared-to-income monthly payments.
Habitat PKR also operates three home improvement retail stores called ReStores that sell donated new and used appliances, furniture, kitchens, building materials and home supplies. Habitat ReStores play an integral part in Habitat’s mission, providing financial support for Habitat PKR’s work. ReStores are located in Peterborough at 300 Milroy Dr., in Selwyn at 3001 Lakefield Rd., and in Lindsay at 55 Angeline St. N.
