Play It Forward: The Magic That Happens When Community Leads the Way

Every once in a while, something happens in your business that reminds you exactly why you started in the first place.

For me, that moment happened this weekend at The Play It Forward Event - an event that was meant to be simple: a free toy and book swap for families in our community. No ticket price. No revenue goal. No sales funnel hiding beneath the wrapping paper.

Just people, generosity, and the shared desire to make life a little lighter for each other.

And honestly? It turned into something bigger than I ever could have planned.

The Community Response: Awe, Shock, and Cup-Filling Goodness

When I opened the doors that first morning, I expected a steady trickle. What I got was an outpouring.

Parents walked in carrying bags of toys their children had outgrown, books they loved and wanted another child to enjoy, games ready for a second (or third!) round of play. Some families came to donate. Others came because things have been tight. Most came for both.

But what struck me - what filled my cup to the brim - was the energy of total, unfiltered generosity.

People weren’t asking,“How much can I take?” They were asking,“How can I contribute?”

Parents who thought they were only dropping off ended up staying to shift through the incredible collection of books, toys, puzzles & games. Kids held up books and said things like, “Someone else is gonna love this!” Strangers chatted like old friends while digging through puzzles, blocks, and beloved games ready for a new home.

There were moments when I just stood there in absolute awe.The kind that makes your breath catch and your eyes sting in the best way.

I’ve helped families declutter for years - but this was different. This was community decluttering. Community caring. Community lifting one another up.

“But… how are you making money from this?”

Ah yes.The inevitable question.

I heard it more than once:

• “This is amazing… but what’s your angle?”

• “Are you charging shoppers?”

• “Are you collecting emails?”

• “How are you monetizing this?”

And you know what? I get it. We live in a world where everything feels like a funnel disguised as a freebie.

But the answer?

I wasn’t.

I didn’t.

And that was the point.

Play It Forward wasn’t about revenue. It wasn’t a marketing tactic. It wasn’t a hidden upsell.

It was about something far more important:

Being a business owner who pours back into the same community that pours into me.

Because my business doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It exists because of real families. Real parents. Real humans navigating real challenges.

Giving back isn’t an add-on to my business. It is my business. It’s woven into the heart of why I do what I do.

Sometimes the most meaningful work isn’t billable. Sometimes it’s the kind that leaves you exhausted in the best way -feet sore, cheeks sore from smiling, heart bursting.

Sometimes it’s the kind that fills everyone’s cup.

Why Events Like This Matter

Of all the beautiful things The Play It Forward Event created, here’s what stood out the most:

• Kids learned that generosity is normal.

• Parents walked away relieved - lighter in both clutter and spirit.

• Families found holiday gifts they otherwise wouldn’t have access to.

• Resources stayed in the community instead of landfills.

• People felt seen, supported, and connected.

And me?

I walked away more inspired, more grounded, and more committed to building a business that makes room for magic like this.

Not because it leads to revenue. But because it leads to impact. The kind you can’t measure in sales. Only in smiles, hugs, and tiny voices saying,“Look what I found!”

This Is the Work That Fuels Me

To everyone who donated, swapped, sorted, carried, laughed, or shared in the moment - thank you. You reminded me why wellnested living Co. exists. And why community will always be at the centre of everything I do.

Play It Forward wasn’t just an event. It was proof that when we give freely, without agenda, the return is bigger than anything we could ever plan.

And yes - we’re absolutely doing it again.

A special thank you to all the community partners who helped make this possible: The Hub at Burlington Centre, YourTV Halton, & ActiveParents for your generous hosting & promotion.