Two Kingston small businesses, Response I.T. and Habitat for Humanity ReStore, were awarded a total of $6,000 from the Make It Real program.

The awards are given in 10 Canadian cities to reward small businesses that raise money or volunteer for local charities or take part in community-oriented activities.

Response I.T. received the platinum prize and $4,000. The company refurbished and restored 100 computers intended for a landfill site. The computers were donated to the Boys and Girls Club, other organizations and people in need.
The company also gives equipment and technical support to community and sports events. As part of the prize, the company's chosen charity, the Boys and Girls Club, also received $1,000.

Habitat for Humanity's ReStore is the largest fundraising source for the organization's Kingston chapter.

The ReStore won the gold prize of $2,000.

The store offers fundraising to a variety of community groups and educational programs. It runs an annual wood- working program for children during March Break.

ReStore also has an aluminum recycling program that has collected almost 900,000 cans in the past three years. As part of the prize, the store's chosen charity, Habitat for Humanity, received $500.