Clothing Swap, Wear. Share. Repeat: Less Waste, More Wear by Peri Hayes Mandy De Vos and Kenia Hylton enthusiastically introduce their debut clothing swap, Wear. Share. Repeat: Less Waste, More Wear. This event has been designed in partnership with St. Thomas Public Library as a conscious effort to support sustainable shopping, while acknowledging the current state of the economy. As Owner of Wish You Would Wear, Mandy has been honouring vintage and preloved fashion for six years and counting: “I was leaving the commercial retail industry, particularly noticing the amount of waste. I have a love of thrifting, and I felt motivated to pursue my passion for fashion while supporting sustainability.” Meanwhile, Kenia is the Owner of Klean N Go Inc., proudly servicing Elgin County and Middlesex since November of 2023. As she reveals, she had come up with this name as a child through helping her grandmother with house chores. Kenia is presently her beloved grandmother’s caregiver, crediting her loved one as the inspiration for her heartfelt business. Through her wellness and sustainability work, Kenia is eager to support families and professionals enjoying more time in their day. Last year, Kenia had decided to increase her community involvement in a meaningful and creative way, through which she connected with Mandy. “We have similar visions and values,” Kenia voices. As a balanced team, Mandy proceeds, “We’ve been working hard together on this project since January.” While powered by these local entrepreneurs, this event is part of the STPL + Program; the St. Thomas Public Library’s local business partnership initiative, which encourages community members to shop locally and stay connected with resources in the area. Mandy and Kenia will have discounts to offer those with Library cards. AT KOOLEN ELECTRIC WE CAN DO IT ALL!
Wear. Share. Repeat: Less Waste, More Wear will take place this Saturday, June 14th from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm in the St. Thomas Public Library’s Carnegie Room. As Mandy and Kenia highlight, “The Library isn’t just a venue — it’s truly the hub for all things community in St. Thomas. After connecting with Dakota, we realized our shared values around community, connection and knowledge -- which made this partnership a perfect fit. This event is about learning, giving, sharing and fun; the Library plays a key role in that.” Operating across the hall will be the Library’s workshop in support of sustainability, upcycling and the circular economy: ‘Put a Patch on It’ offers drop-in hours from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm, entailing a maker event for visitors to customize clothing with vinyl patches using the Library’s Maker Lab equipment. ‘Make Do and Mend’ requires registration and will take place from 12:00 pm until 1:30 pm. This community engagement program introduces participants to altering, mending and upcycling, along with guidance on how to utilize Library resources and collections for education and inspiration. This community clothing swap is a co-ed event for preteens and onward. Information will be displayed throughout the venue for sparking conversation, and goodie bags will be gifted to the first 25 guests in attendance. The pair express their delight for this community collaboration, as well as to be facilitated in a centralized location. The dynamic duo’s goal for this event is to urge the community to be more mindful and intentional about shopping locally and sustainably. The idea is that of a closet sweep, welcoming those interested to participate in this community event and donation drive. Mandy and Kenia are accepting donations of new and used clothing, as well as toiletries and self-care products. Afterward, they will be sorting through and donating pieces to the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin, Inn Out Of The Cold and The Nameless Harm Reduction Outreach Services Inc.; based on the needs of these respective organizations. This event is open to the public, as Kenia invites, “Feel free to come and shop!” While bringing items is not required to participate in the shopping portion, this incentive is encouraged as a means to ensure that this accessible service can reach as many individuals as possible. Mandy continues, “This is an event serving those in need.” As Kenia thoughtfully exclaims, “The community involvement that we have already received — along with reaching out to local businesses who are in support of this idea — is exciting for us.” Mandy enthuses, “Seeing the clothing be shared and being a stop in that cycle of reducing waste is exciting, along with being able to share these products that can be overconsumed. It makes my heart happy to gather the donations and deliver to these locations.” To this, Kenia joyfully adds, “Throughout this process, my heart has been very full.” Those interested in donating, sponsoring, volunteering — including high school students — or discovering more about this upcoming opportunity can connect with Kenia at kenia@ kleanngo.ca and with Mandy at wishyouwouldwear@gmail.com. Full event details — including both the Library’s programs and the clothing swap — will be available on the St. Thomas Public Library’s website at stthomaspubliclibrary.ca/. Mandy and Kenia conclude by announcing their desire for this uplifting event to become an annual celebration.
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Hometown St. Thomas • May 2025 • Page 33
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