Sheridan EDGE celebrated Sustainable Development Goals month with the Refresh and Rewear: Clothing Swap which saw 116 students trade their gently used clothing for stylish new finds on March 25.
The student-exclusive event at Sheridan’s Hazel McCallion Campus featured Sheridan EDGE entrepreneur Vuyile Motsa, who founded the social enterprise Campus Thrift. In her interview, she discussed her venture, which offers two sustainable fashion solutions for a wide range of individuals. Its online thrift store and in-person clothing swap events provide accessible and convenient options for customers across Canada, allowing everyone to join their mission of promoting sustainable fashion and reducing textile waste.
“I started Campus Thrift after immigrating to Canada with my mother and we didn’t have enough money for new clothes, so I started thrifting and turned my newfound passion for sustainable fashion into a business,” said Vuyile.
“Sheridan EDGE’s Social Impact Catalyst program allowed me to explore my venture’s social and economic frameworks. I gained practical skills in advancing my business, offering customers an affordable and sustainable shopping option by recycling clothes and accessories.”
Vuyile also discussed her mission to divert 400 kg (about 881.85 lb.) of clothes from landfills through reuse.
Sheridan’s Mission Zero supported the event by running an interactive booth to educate students on sustainable practices, which was well received.
“I loved being able to thrift clothes and accessories while also giving away items that had been sitting unused in my closet,” said Sheridan alumni Nihareekaa Kaur, reflecting on this event.
“It was a rewarding experience in how the event made sustainable fashion accessible. I walked away feeling both refreshed and inspired by the whole experience.”
Attendees arriving before 11 a.m. had a chance to win Sheridan EDGE swag, with three winners chosen by a name picker wheel.
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- Vuyile Motsa (L), founder of Campus Thrift, in conversation with Nadine Sinno, Student Engagement Manager at Sheridan EDGE. She spoke about immigrating with her mother, thrifting out of necessity, and turning it into a thriving business.
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- Refresh and Rewear was also supported by Sheridan’s Mission Zero, whose interactive booth educated students on sustainable practices.
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- Students at Refresh and Rewear checked out gently used clothing and accessories to refresh their wardrobes in a sustainable way.
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- Refresh and Rewear united fashion lovers and sustainability advocates for a fun and an impactful experience.
About Sheridan EDGE
Sheridan EDGE is a vibrant community of people who believe entrepreneurship can create lasting change in society. It’s also a hub for impact entrepreneurs to grow their ventures, collaborate and develop new skills. At Sheridan EDGE, impact entrepreneurs, talented students, experienced faculty and like-minded community and industry collaborators work together to amplify social and economic impact.
