Thanks everyone for your terrific support of REAL’s sixth online auction.  In an exciting finish, the 200 items attracted $4421 which was 138% of our goal.  Last years bid total was $3557.  In addition to the bids, several generous...

Please note that the REAL Deal Store will be closed over the Christmas holidays to give staff and volunteers a break.  Our last shopping day for the year will be Saturday, December 20.  We will be back open for...

Preparations are well underway for REAL’s online auction, our main fundraiser for the year. Auction Items. We have some great gently used items we’ve been setting aside all year from REAL Deal donations. But we would also like to...

Find out what REAL’s been up to this summer in our September 2025 Update.  The hot dry weather had impacts everywhere: n the REAL Deal Store and staff, the community garden, the mini forest, the monarch garden and the...

The Canada Greener Homes Loan offered homeowners interest-free, repayable loans of up to $40,000 for energy-efficient home upgrades. But the program’s funding will soon be fully allocated, and the application intake will be closing. The last day to submit...

REAL’s July 2025 Update is here!  We’ve had a busy spring so there are reports on the Pitch In and Shoreline Cleanup, our Native Plant and Rain Barrel Sale, our AGM and the Evergreen Commemoration.  We are pleased to...

Sorry, we are no longer accepting applications as we have lots of candidates to choose from.  We appreciate your interest. Still looking for a summer job?  REAL has received funding from Summer Jobs Canada to hire two young people...

The REAL Deal Store is pleased to be offering a helpful product for gardeners  interested in sustainability.  Biochar is a natural, high-carbon soil amendment made from sustainably processed wood.  You can use it to enhance soil health, retain moisture/nutrients,...

Our Rain Barrel Pickup day is now a  Garden Fundraiser!  If you come between 10 am and 2 pm we will have some other great garden additions to get you growing.  Proceeds support REAL’s monarch gardens on the REAL...

Here are a few ideas for greening your Easter celebrations. Serving the Feast.  Stay away from the disposables.  Our store sells tablecloths and cloth napkins, if you are looking for those.  We always have lots of plates, glassware, cutlery,...

REAL’s 2024 Annual Report summarizes our non-profit’s activities up to the end of January 2025.  It has a been a busy and productive year.  We have a range of projects that directly benefit our community including the mini-forest, litter...

Have Donations? Now is a Good Time to Bring Them! We truly appreciate all of your donations of good quality used items for the REAL Deal store, but we appreciate them even more this time of year! Winter, from mid-December...

Spring and summer are a busy time for REAL, and we are still narrowing down the dates.  But here are some of the early in the season happenings to watch for. Pitch In Smiths Falls/ Shoreline Cleanup – is...

REAL’s February 2025 Update is ready!   Find out about our new Heat Pump Advisory Service and the Rideau Roundtable’s new Eco-Literacy Program.  We have some plant seeds for sale at the store, some tips on reducing your food waste,...

Have you been wondering if a heat pump is right for your home?  REAL is pleased to announce a new heat pump advisory service.  Our energy advisor, Alan Leonard, has recently completed specialized training that will allow him to...