Community Lynx

Turning forgotten items into community support for families in need 

What started as frustration over piles of forgotten Lost and Found items has grown into a community initiative helping families across Halifax access essentials they urgently need. 

Community Lynx, created by Ingenious+ national winner Madeleine McEwen, collects unclaimed items from schools, arenas, and community facilities, then redistributes them directly to newcomers, refugees, and families facing financial hardship. 

“It is undeniable that the cost of household goods and necessities have soared over the past five years,” Madeleine said. “Many Nova Scotians are financially stretched, but this has had a seismic impact on those who have recently arrived as refugees from troubled countries.”  

The idea came from years of noticing how many useful items were abandoned in Lost and Found bins at local gyms and recreation facilities. In March 2024, Madeleine decided to take action. 

Community Lynx now works with more than 18 facilities across the Halifax region, collecting items ranging from winter coats and boots to backpacks, school supplies, lunchboxes, sports gear, and household goods. Volunteers clean and sort donations before distributing them through community partners including the Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), local food banks, and family resource centres. 

“Community Lynx is a straightforward community initiative, and works well,” Madeleine explained. “We take items that were destined for the dump, and give them directly to people who will use them immediately.”  

The initiative is helping both newcomers and long-time Nova Scotians struggling with rising living costs. At weekly food bank pickup days, families can also access winter clothing, school supplies, and other essentials free of charge. 

“It’s great when a parent can come for a grocery pickup, but also leave with winter coats and school supplies for their family,” Madeleine shared.  

Beyond reducing financial pressure for families, Community Lynx also keeps usable items out of landfills and promotes a more direct, community-based circular economy.  

The project has grown quickly through partnerships with schools, facility managers, social workers, food banks, and volunteers across the region. Today, roughly 50 people help support the initiative’s operations. 

As an Ingenious+ national winner, Madeleine received $10,000 to continue expanding Community Lynx. Funding will help support transportation, volunteer resources, community donation bins, outreach efforts, and future expansion into other regions across Canada. 

About Ingenious+ 

Ingenious+ is the Rideau Hall Foundation’s national youth innovation challenge, supporting young people aged 14 to 18 who are creating solutions to challenges in their communities and beyond. Alongside funding, participants gain access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and national recognition that help them grow their ideas and connect with fellow young innovators. 

In 2026, 215 young people across Canada received more than $230,000 through Ingenious+, supporting projects focused on climate change, health and wellbeing, accessibility, community connection, and technology. Learn more about Ingenious+.