How it all Started

Well Suited Kingston (WSK) originally began as a pilot project organized by the local office of IG Wealth Financial in early 2017. With a financial grant from the company’s head office, Dave Cunningham volunteered to chair the organizing committee. His enthusiastic support, along with that of colleagues and friends, helped bring the organization together.

Over the next few months, WSK launched an important social service: providing work-appropriate attire to men in need. From November 2017 onward, this service successfully assisted over 200 men in the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington area.

Initially focused on program delivery, WSK soon recognized the need for a formal infrastructure to ensure sustainability. As the original funding approached depletion, the decision was made in March 2019 to restructure. Three original members—Dave Cunningham, Clint Barker, and Terry Doherty—worked diligently, and on May 1st, 2020, WSK was formally established as a charitable corporation.

While the core service remains providing attire for men in need, WSK has expanded its offerings. These now include:

  • Providing work-appropriate attire

  • Facilitating relevant education and workshops

  • Offering a sense of well-being through volunteer opportunities

WSK is proud of its beginnings, grateful for the support received, and committed to serving the men in their community. 

With continued dedication, compassion, financial backing, and collaboration with partner agencies, they look forward to a bright future.

Core Values that guide Well Suited Kingston

Well Suited's organizational culture is anchored by many values.

A few of them might be called our “core DNA” or values we would stand by—even if that were to cause some difficulty or cost for the organization. They include essential values that must be “lived” by all staff, volunteers and others representing Well Suited Kingston (WSK).

  1. Demonstrated belief in and commitment to the Mission.

  2. Unconditional respect for others, without judgment.

  3. Compassionate understanding and caring support for clients.

  4. Equity, diversity and inclusion, regardless of ways in which humans may differ.

  5. Working within the wider ecosystem of communities in which we operate.

  6. Collaborative partnerships for effective service delivery.

  7. Approaches that are strategic, future-focused, practical and uncomplicated.

Primary Clients

  • Employment seekers, age 18-35, who identify as male and need support to succeed.

  • Many of WSK’s core clientele are served by other employment agencies providing supports.

  • Those in need of free or inexpensive clothing (but who are not pursuing employment) would be better served by other agencies or through WSK popup fundraisers.

    • Circle symbol represents men in need seeking economic independence/support.