The pandemic has impacted many people in various sectors which is why a Sudbury business has decided to give back.
Sudbury Steam Cleaners is now offering free dry cleaning services to those who are currently unemployed and need an outfit cleaned for an upcoming job interview.
“For some, this has become a stressful and financially straining time when it comes to employment,” Sudbury Steam Cleaners general manager Chris Haddad told Sudbury.com. “We wanted to find a small way to use what services we provide to extend a hand and be supportive.”
Whether it’s a blouse, a shirt or a pair of pants, job seekers can drop-off up to three items at the main depot, located at 210 Walnut Street, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Make sure to let the staff know that it is for a job interview. The turnaround time is around two to three business days.
Haddad said the program will run until July 1 but if the need is great, Sudbury Steam Cleaners will extend it.
“This will run for as long as our community needs us,” Haddad said. “Times are tough and we want to help our community look sharp during those important moments when interviewing.”
Although professional laundry services are deemed essential and have been able to operate throughout the pandemic, the dry cleaning industry has been greatly impacted.
Due to the cancellation of events and more people working from home, Haddad said people aren’t dressing in their typical work wear. With little to no social functions, there also isn’t a great need for linen rentals and there are less garments to be cleaned or altered.
“We have seen an overall reduction of about 70 per cent across the board and because we are deemed essential, we are not eligible for the Ontario Small Business Grants available,” Haddad said.
“We decided we had a responsibility to serve our community and provide cleaning for EMS, police, shelters and certain areas of the hospital since the start of this pandemic. Unfortunately, this only accounts for five to seven per cent of our regular volume.”
Sudbury Steam Cleaners is a locally owned family business that has been operating for three generations.
“We have been lucky to be able to remain open and provide services throughout the pandemic,” Haddad said. “We like to encourage Sudburians to support your local businesses as much as possible.”
“There are many great local shops, restaurants, and services that have been struggling to be creative and remain open to support their families. Please support local as much as you can.”
Sudbury Steam Cleaners currently has three locations in Greater Sudbury but the free dry cleaning program will only be honoured at the downtown location, 210 Walnut Street.
For more information phone 705-675-6445 or visit their website.
