FERGUS – Local high school students are getting the chance to thrift shop for clothes at their own school with a side lesson in sustainability.
Every Thursday, CWDHS holds a sustainable style swap where students can take what they need from donated clothes at no cost to them.
Jenna Olley, a geography teacher and one of the organizers, said in a phone interview this program is new to the school but inspired by similar initiatives in the board.
The benefit to students is two-fold.
“Initially it was meant to increase sustainability at our school and show kids a different alternative to be more sustainable with our everyday choices,” Olley said.
She explained with all announcements about the clothing swap, they give a bit of education on the huge impact the clothing industry has to get students to think about how they can help.
“It also helps the students in our community who might not have access to a lot of clothing options,” she said.
So far, they have held two sustainable style swap events with 70 students at the first one and 30 at the second Olley said. Despite some uncertainty on how it would be received, Olley said it seems to be resonating well with some students.
“There seems to be a good group of kids who come through,” Olley said.
“There’s some students who are obviously more thoughtful with the clothing they wear, they’re really proactive with the choices they make and there’s also kids who are in need of specific items that come and talk to us as well.”
Donations were first made by teachers and students but now Olley said the whole community can come by with donations during school hours.
To do so, community members can go to the front entrance and ring a doorbell to be let in. From there, mention to the secretary they’re dropping off clothing for the sustainable style swap and it will be added to a wooden box made by the tech teacher.
Olley said she hoped this can run all year so students who need the help can access seasonal-appropriate clothing.
Heading into winter, Olley said they’re particularly looking for warm clothing such as coats, sweaters, hats, gloves or even boots.
