Some objects carry more than just sandwiches. Some objects tell a story, represent a commitment, a purpose. The duo of reusable bags Eco Loco x Ékip Jeunesse is one of them.
Behind this eco-friendly product, illustrated by Quebec artist Lily Larochelle, there is a concrete fundraiser, an organization that makes a real difference, and dozens of young people like Mike: young people who need a TEAM around them to take flight.
When eco-responsible consumption becomes an act of solidarity
At Eco Loco, the mission has always been clear: to offer ecological, locally-made solutions for a more sustainable daily life. Zero-waste, ethical products that respect the planet and the people who live on it.
But this time, we wanted to go further. By launching this duo of bags to donate $15 per duo to Ékip Jeunesse, Eco Loco shows that an eco-responsible purchase can also be an act of human solidarity.
- Zero waste
- $15 donated per sale
- Made in Quebec
- Illustrated by Lily Larochelle
For each duo sold, $15 is donated directly to Ékip Jeunesse. By adding another Eco Loco product to the cart, 5% of additional sales are added to the donation. It's simple, transparent, and measurable.
Mike's journey: what "leaving DYP at 18" really means
To understand why this partnership exists, one must understand the reality of those that Ékip Jeunesse supports. Here is Mike's story.
Mike, 26: From DYP to his first stable home
Mike grew up in the DYP system, cared for from birth until he was 18. His journey led him through various foster families, rehabilitation centers, and group homes. He experienced environments marked by physical and psychological violence.
At 18, like hundreds of young people every year in Quebec, Mike left the system without a safety net. For several years, he experienced homelessness and hidden homelessness, dealing with significant substance abuse issues.
Now 26 years old, he only secured his first stable home two and a half years ago. A roof. An address. A starting point.
"It's not a lack of will that leads a young person to homelessness. It's the absence of a safety net when everything falls apart."
Mike's story is not exceptional. It is, tragically, representative. In Quebec, hundreds of young people leave DYP every year at 18 with only a garbage bag and the obligation to fend for themselves. Without guaranteed housing, without stable family support, and without financial resources. The line between a structured life and homelessness can be crossed in a few weeks.
Ékip Jeunesse: preventing homelessness before it sets in
Ékip Jeunesse: direct assistance to vulnerable youth in Quebec
Founded by Nancy Audet and Amélie Murdock, Ékip Jeunesse offers direct assistance to vulnerable young people, 12 months a year. Clothing, food aid, transport tickets, support, ... Everything needed to get through a pivotal moment with dignity.
Discover Ékip Jeunesse's mission →The strength of Ékip Jeunesse is its concrete and immediate help. No endless forms. No waiting lists that last for months. A present, committed team that responds to the real needs of young people when they need it most.
Their vision: that no young person leaves DYP without a TEAM around them. Because with the right safety net, young people can go much further than one might imagine.
The duo of bags: an eco-responsible product with a soul
It's no coincidence that Eco Loco chose a duo of reusable bags to support this cause. Bags are at the heart of the boutique's identity — sustainable alternatives to disposable packaging, designed to last and fit into everyday life.
Materials and manufacturing
The duo consists of a sandwich bag and a snack bag, made from a durable, waterproof, and washable fabric derived from recycled plastic bottles. A material that gives plastic a second life while replacing dozens of disposable bags over the years.
Both bags feature a reliable zipper made in Quebec, an easy-to-wipe, waterproof lining. They are suitable for children at school as well as adults in the office, outdoors, or on the go. They are truly multi-purpose, allowing them to carry both food and small everyday items.
Lily Larochelle's illustration
On the fabric, three symbols carefully chosen by Quebec illustrator Lily Larochelle : a nourishing bowl, an outstretched hand, and a bird in full flight. To nourish. To give. To take flight. A work designed to support a cause as much as a lunch.
"On the fabric, three symbols: a full bowl, an outstretched hand, a bird taking flight. It's not just design. It's a commitment."
Why this partnership makes sense for Eco Loco
Eco Loco donates 1% of its profits to social and environmental organizations. The company is certified eco-responsible by Les Pages Vertes and holds the Women Owned certification. Social responsibility is not a marketing accessory; it is a founding value.
Partnering with Ékip Jeunesse extends this logic. Every purchase of the bag duo becomes a dual gesture: reducing plastic waste and supporting a vulnerable young person. Two causes. One product. One daily action.
How to participate in this fundraiser?
It's simple. Just buy the Eco Loco x Ékip Jeunesse bag duo on the online store. $15 is donated directly to Ékip Jeunesse for each duo sold. By adding other Eco Loco products to the cart, 5% of additional sales are added to the donation.
Every dollar counts. Every sale is a concrete gesture towards young people like Mike — young people who deserve much more than a garbage bag as their only luggage.
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