541 Eatery & Exchange: Buttons Explained

We have been so inspired by many Hamiltonians lately doing so much good in our communities. 

Hamilton Clothing Swap has always chosen organizations that exemplify a warm and giving heart that give back to many families and neighbourhoods that need their support the most.

This year, 541 Barton Eatery will be receiving all of our monetary donations to help support their Button Exchange system that does so much good day in and out at their eatery. There is a great need for accessible and affordable food within the city as the price of living continuously goes up. 541 is established to not only provide a social place for ones to gather and play a board game of 'Trouble' or meet a friend, but a place that's always welcoming no matter what social status and a place providing a delicious, fresh and healthy bite to eat.

We can't say enough about this place. If you haven't visited 541 Eatery & Exchange, we suggest you do!

HCS xx

Home Stretch

Well my friends, we're in the home stretch! We are one month away until HCS sets up shop at the lovely Theatre Aquarius.

We've been doing this for awhile, but for some of you this may be your first time. So, we thought we would give you a run down of what the day may look like & what to expect!

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We carefully curate what we sell at the swap (meaning: we sift through MOUNTAINS of clothing to make sure everything is clean and in good condition).

The swap starts at 9am sharp! So make sure you set your alarm clocks! Skip the coffee & have one on us, as complementary Starbucks coffee will be served throughout the day.

Once you're in the swap we will ask you to donate one non-perishable item as your admission. This will be donated to the Neighbour2Neighbour Community Centre and Food Bank.

At the swap, the sky is the limit! EVERYTHING will be priced at $1 unless it's new and has a tag on it, then it's $2!

That's cheaper than any sale at a box store, cheaper than any outlet, even cheaper than your favourite thrift store! And guess what!? By updating your wardrobe on a shoestring budget, you're also helping families and communities within Hamilton!

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!???

At the checkout (don't forget to bring bags, we will have some while supplies last!) you will have an opportunity to buy buttons through our adopted Button Exchange program from 541 Eatery. Each button is $1 and allows someone to purchase something at the swap free of charge!

Do you guys see a theme here? We love to give back! And we need your help to make a difference!

100% of the monetary donations earned at the swap will be given directly to 541 Eatery and Exchange !

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So please do your part, spread the word and let people know!

June 24th @ Theatre Aquarius

9am-1pm 

Please contact us at hamiltonclothingswap@gmail.com to donate your old, gently used clothing!

HCSxx

5 Years in the Making

HAMILTONIANS

We do apologize for the extra long hiatus.

But promise you the same sort of treasure hunting you've been accustomed to over the past four years!

We are proud to announce that the Hamilton Clothing Swap will be hosting our 5th Annual swap at the beautiful Theatre Aquarius on Saturday June 24th 2017.

It's hard for us to believe that four swaps have already come and gone. Each one as unique as the other. We've changed and grown for the better and have loved every single minute of it!

This year we have the great opportunity to help support a local gem in our community, an institution, a hub really for everyone and anybody... 541 Eatery & Exchange.

We have a pay-it-forward attitude at HCS which means we are 100% not-for profit. ALL proceeds from the day will go directly to 541 Barton Eatery. We will continue to donate our non-perishable food to N2N as well as setting up a specially curated donation for the at-risk youth at Living Rock.

So, start putting that loose change in your piggy banks and start sorting through those closets because we are only a few months away!

If you would like to donate this year, here is a checklist of items that we are looking for the Hamilton Clothing Swap this June:

1. Women, children and men's clothing.
2. All donations must be gently used.
3. Accessories: shoes, purses, scarfs, jewelry, hats etc.
4. All donations must be washed/clean.

We ask that your donations are contained in a garbage bag/box for easy pick up and transporting. We also ask that you label it with HCS so we know it's ours to pick up :)

Please EMAIL hamiltonclothingswap@gmail.com to arrange a pick up.

We would like to extend a Thank You to those who have already donated for this year. We are really looking forward to our fifth annual swap. Stay tuned for more updates on the blog and through our twitter @HamiltonSwap

HCS xx

"New" Oldies

Let the countdown begin!

We're in our final days of prep here at HCS & excited to start sharing everything we have collected for you over the past few months! 

We have surpassed our clothing donation from the last 3 years, which basically means we have a plethora of clothing for you to pick & choose your favourite "new" oldies to add to your closet! 

Most of you know that we're not your ordinary clothing swap. Like previous years, your admission to the event is one non-perishable. Once you are inside, everything will be priced at $1 and any new clothing with tags will be priced at $2. 

Be mindful that we only accept cash.

So, remember your coin purse or wallet depending on your loot!

100% of all food & monetary donations are donated directly to Neighbour 2 Neighbour.

 

Advice: 

1) Remember to come early. 

2) Bring bags (we will have some on site until quantities last)

3) Bring change & small bills  

4) Shop till you drop!

5) Feel good about yourself! Treating yourself means helping others! The loot that you will score will help N2N with their amazing community programs!

WIN!WIN!

Doors will be open at 9:00 am sharp. We promise you will not be disappointed. 

**Complementary Starbucks coffee and treats will be there for you throughout the swap.**

HCS xx

Around Town

It's that time of year when you start seeing our beautiful iconic posters all around Hamilton. For the past three years, it's become a signal to our swappers to clean out their closets and a reminder that HCS is just around the corner.

Keep an eye out for our poster & mark the date in your calendar! 

We can barely contain our excitement for June 18th.
Helping those in need on the Hamilton Escarpment and Hamilton Downtown while updating your wardrobe on a shoe string budget - All wins!
Help us spread the word!

Don't forget that we are receiving donations right up until the event! You can contact us via twitter @HamiltonSwap or through our email address hamiltonclothingswap@gmail.com to arrange a donation pick up.

HCS xx

New Friends Are The Best!!

With each passing year comes new friendships and acquaintances. The old, mixed with the new help shape the culture surrounding The Hamilton Clothing Swap. We are so very excited to introduce our generous sponsors, Canoe and White Elephant who have kindly offered us a helping hand for our Fourth Annual Clothing Swap event!

The two shops are a beautiful reflection of our city & we are beyond fortunate to have their support this year!

We have known White Elephant for many moons, well before they started carrying gorgeous Canadian-made clothes, of which they are highly recognized and sought after for today. When you visit their shop, at either the Westdale or James Street N location, you'll find an assortment of locally made treasures, from Bread and Butter Pottery to Rare Specimen jewellery, it's enough to make any girl smile! Their carefully curated store offers an abundance of accessories, clothing, housewares and jewellery from local and independent designers and artists.

If you haven't visited their lovely storefront, we highly suggest you do!

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Since opening their doors, Canoe has become a very coveted shop within Hamilton and truly a welcomed addition to the Kirkendall neighbourhood. Upon entry you can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia, their natural and rustic environment creates a space that lets you dream big and draw on your fondest memories. Canoe prides themselves on offering heirloom pieces that only get better with age, their quality of products are exceptional, and the variety of pieces will keep you coming back to further transform your home, beauty and life. They're nestled on Locke street with always the most gorgeous shop windows, swing by for a visit!

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Last, but certainly not least, the lovely people behind  Steam Whistle Brewery are generously giving away cards that offer 1 complimentary tour of the brewery to each of our swappers!

These tours are a lot of fun! Check out this video for a taste of what Steam Whistle has to offer...

HCS xx

Helping Hand: HCS Picks Up Donations

Spring is the season most associated with new-beginnings, fresh starts and more importantly... cleaning, Spring cleaning to be exact. Every household goes through it, sifting through your belongings that have made their way into your life over the cold, winter months that you no longer have use for anymore.

It's satisfying when it's over but dreaded before it even begins. We get you, and understand the task at hand. HCS is here to make your life a bit easier. We offer a pick up service for your gently used accessories & garments. Out of sight, out of mind! We're here to help you and here to help our communities flourish. The two come hand in hand.

So, please keep us in mind when your sorting through your closets, basements and attics. Remember that blouse you wore when you landed your dream job? Pay it forward and let it be someone elses new beginning too.

Contact us at hamiltonclothingswap@gmail.com to arrange a pick up. It's never too early to donate!

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter!



HCS xx