The SWAP Team
, a non-profit social
enterprise founded in Montreal, Quebec, announced today the details of its 5th
Calgary edition of Take
Off Your Clothes – a giant clothing swap for charity to be
held on June 23,
2013 from 11AM-5PM at Balmoral School (220 16th Avenue NW).
"Take Off Your Clothes is not only great for your wallet, it’s a
fun day out with friends, is great for the environment and supports three
charities in the city," said Vanessa Erickson, Calgary Chapter Co-Director of
The SWAP Team. "After a year-long wait, we’re excited to bring this event back
to Calgary in a bigger, better way than ever before," noted Erickson.
With the help of
Radar Rentals, the event will be set up like a giant
boutique. Every item accepted for the event provides the participant with
one exchange coupon, valid for any other item. All clothing remaining at the
end of the event will be donated to Goodwill
Industries of Alberta, Walk-In Closet, and the Women in Need Society (WINS).
The Calgary version of Take
Off Your Clothes, a volunteer-run event, has seen over 14,000
garments change hands and has donated more than 14,000 items to charities.
Estimates show that Calgary attendees have saved over $280,000 by swapping
clothes instead of buying new. "Clothes swapping is gaining popularity among
fashionistas everywhere," says Calgary Co-Director Stacey Savage, "swapping is
better than shopping because there are no price tags!" she added.
Participants who wish to attend Take Off Your Clothes
should bring clean,
gently worn, clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women. Participants
can bring their clothing to the event, or can gain VIP express check-in access
by dropping off their clothes prior to the event. Local boutiques Eleven:Eleven
(Kensington), A Vintage Affair (Beltline), and Rewind Consignment (Stampede)
will be accepting advance drop-offs for the event until Thursday, June 20. As
well, attendees can drop off their clothes any Saturday between May
25 and June 22 (inclusive) in the east parking lot at Confederation Park.
"The event will have all the fun features that attendees have
learned to expect, but with a bigger venue we are able to display even more
clothes and incorporate some exciting new additions like food trucks and a
red carpet where photographer
Christy D. Swanberg will photograph your group," Erickson
noted.
Local and online boutiques A Vintage Affair, Feisty Consignment, Eleven:Eleven,
Rewind Consignment, Carrie’s Closet,
and
Fashion-Forward.ca
support
the fashion aspect of and will be present at the event. The SWAP Team’s Spring
2013 look book, shot by photographer
Mark
Derry
, features sponsor clothing and some great pieces that can
be swapped at the event. " Bring us your best, we love it when our guests
walk out with a smile on their face because they found something great," said
Savage.
Everyone, including teenagers, adults and seniors are encouraged
to attend. Admission is $15, which includes a free reusable bag for all advance
ticket buyers.
For tickets, directions and more information, please visit: www.theswapteam.org/calgary.