Safety Information Updated

Further to my post about the U.S. recall of window blinds, Ikea Canada has announced a recall of 1,767,000 blinds sold from 1998 to 2009. These are blinds without a tension device which means the looped cords are left loose causing a potential risk of strangulation. For more information, please check out the Toronto Star. Ikea is providing a full refund for blinds that are returned.

Unwanted furniture?

Before a renovation or new room design takes place, my clients are often faced with the challenge of disposing of their old furniture. This can be emotionally difficult when the furniture has sentimental value and there are no family members who want to take it. Or there are situations where there are no offers to buy from craigslist or kijiji and you're stymied how to get rid of it.

I refer my clients and friends to one of my favourite charities, Furniture Bank - which furnishes homes in the Greater Toronto Area for women and children escaping violence, refugees and the homeless. Recycling the furniture that you don't need by donating to Furniture Bank helps in two ways: Firstly, this not-for-proft organization will place your "cast-offs" in the home of a family in need. In 2010, approximately 2,400 homes will be furnished.

Secondly, in 2009, Furniture Bank helped to divert 1100 metric tons of waste from landfills. What does just one metric ton look like? Fourteen sofas - imagine that multiplied by 1100.

So make your life and heart much lighter and help reduce landfill waste at the same time.

Important Safety Information

For any of you with small children or those who have small children visiting your homes, you should be aware that there has been a recent recall of millions of roman shades and roll-up blinds in the US due to potential strangulation. In response, Health Canada has issued a Safety Advisory. More information can be obtained on the Health Canada website.

For safety tips on how to prevent accidents, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/house-domes/decor/blinds-toles-eng.php

Clients of Tobi Brockway Interiors, who have had roman shades or window blinds installed, will notice that there is a cleat to tie the cords around which is a safety feature for keeping cords out of the reach of children. Please ensure that the cord is wrapped around the cleat at all times. Our workroom keeps us informed of the latest developments in order to ensure that our products meet Health Canada standards.