Local realtors Cat Tyler and David Dempsey are teaming up to co-organize the first Airdrie Back to School Thrift-For-All Kids Clothing Exchange at the Lutheran Church of the Master on Sept. 9.
Tyler said times are tough for working class families in Alberta with high inflation and a rising cost of living. According to Tyler, she and partner Dempsey just felt like they wanted to do something to help out local families with kids at this expensive time of year.
“There are a lot of families that I just thought could use the help,” she explained. “Times are tough for families. That’s why I thought it was important for people to know about (this event). It’s completely free. We are taking donations of the clothing, but we are not spending any money and we are not charging any money.”
Tyler said the idea behind the event is an exchange where people whose kids have outgrown their clothes can some on Saturday and Sunday and swap those old clothes for new ones.
“It’s for people to bring their gently used kids clothes, and they can exchange it for new used clothes,” she confirmed. “Most kids grow out of clothes before they actually wear them out. This is an event where they can go donate them and get something back for it right on the stop.”
Tyler said she would also welcome donations of kids and teens clothing from those in Airdrie who might just want to declutter their houses, and not necessarily be looking to exchange clothing for themselves during the event.
“People may shop at Value Village or may shop at thrift stores, or may just ask for donations on social media sites,” she said. “But there are also a lot of people that have things to get rid of, and they need to declutter their houses. (This event) sort of fulfills both those two needs at the same time.”
For those wishing to take part in the exchange, clothing can be dropped off on Saturday, Sept. 9 during airdrieFEST from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Clothing can also be dropped off in advance by emailing [email protected].
Pick-up/exchange times will be from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 9 and 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept.10.
