A Perfect Move responds to chaotic month of growth the only way they know how: through charity

Last month they opened a brand new, giant office and warehouse along Route 1 in Kittery. A few weeks later, they launched a non-profit repurposing store called Gentiques.

But if you think A Perfect Move – a locally-owned moving company specializing in “green” and community-oriented options and alternatives – is ready to rest on its laurels, you’ve got another thing coming.

The Kittery-based APM recently recently announced their latest in a long line of charitable initiatives, “Chairs for Charity”, which held its kickoff event in late March.

At the initial March 22nd gathering, held at their new Route 1 space (240 Route 1, just north of the Kittery Traffic Circle), A Perfect Move invited guests to select chairs to paint or decorate. The newly embellished chairs will then be auctioned off for charity on April 21st.

According to Genevieve Benton, owner of A Perfect Move, around 30 people showed up to select their chairs for decoration.

“The initial turnout for the people selecting the chairs was very impressive,” said Benton. “People were very enthusiastic about having the chance to make the chairs their own and see how they’d do at the auction.”

In fact, APM’s upcoming April Chairs for Charity event is being held in tandem with the GA’s monthly Business Partner meeting. But unlike most Green Alliance meetings, this one will be open to the public, in part as a way of drawing attention to APM’s sustained commitment to their two Gs: green and giving.

All proceeds from the April 21st auction event will benefit the Children’s Literacy Program.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, ReStore

Some businesses explode virtually overnight. Their products or services receive rapid, although sometimes fleeting, success seemingly overnight. 

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Dover is not one of those businesses. While their growth has been steady and impressive since their opening in 2008, it’s been accomplished through sweat equity, not shareholders’ equity. And Tom Boisvert, President of the Habitat for Humanity’s Southeast New Hampshire affiliate, wouldn’t have it any other way. 

“Our earning customers one at a time is entirely consistent with Habitat for Humanity’s philosophy,” noted Boisvert. “Our first mission is to help the community, and when we succeed at that, growth follows.” And ReStore's special discount of 15% off all ReStore purchases during April will only help that growth.

Operating out of a 10,000-square foot, two-level space on a side street behind Central Street in Dover, ReStore stocks donated cabinets, appliances, furniture, tools and building materials, both new and used. That includes doors, windows, tile, hard wood flooring, light fixtures, and yes…kitchen sinks. The donated items are then either sold to the public – at exceptionally affordable prices – or used in the construction of Habitat for Humanity Houses.  

The proceeds from the store’s merchandise sales benefit the Southeastern New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide low-cost, energy-efficient housing to low-income families in our region. “It’s a labor of love,” said Doug Willey, ReStore General Manager.  

ReStore has experienced significant growth the past two years, despite some common misconceptions. “Some people think we’re a members-only club, but that’s definitely not true. We’re open to the public,” explained Willey. “We accept donations from large retailers, as well as from homeowners doing renovations who are looking to unload their existing furniture and appliances. And anyone can come in and purchase this donated merchandise, with no restrictions at all. And get tremendous deals.”  

“We’re always looking for customers to buy the materials and merchandise in our store, and for folks wanting to donate. We’ll accept furniture that’s not upholstered, and appliances that are 10 years old or less.”