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

Labour of Love

We're at it again at HCS!

Our fourth annual clothing swap is in the works for Saturday June 18th 2016 at Theatre Aquarius.
For most of you seasoned swappers, you know the drill. For those of you who are just getting know us and what we do, you're in for a treat!

Each year we collect and curate gently used clothing for the swap. We start this whole process in January (believe it or not!) so we have a wide section of styles and sizes available in June for the event. It's a labour of love sifting through hundreds of donations to accommodate not only our swappers but our specially curated donation to Living Rock for their at-risk youth population.

 

It brings us complete joy to host the Hamilton Clothing Swap (HCS), not only for the shear fact that we are being consciously sustainable and giving new life to garments that may eventually find their way to a landfill. But more importantly, that we are providing an avenue for these gently used and new items to be accessible to individuals who may not be able to afford them otherwise.

Let's face it, life gets expensive!
At HCS we sell our gently used clothing/items for $1 and new merchandise for $2. Last year we were inspired by 541 Barton's, Eatery & Exchange,  Button Bank and decided to infiltrate it in to our swap culture permantely. 
Not familiar with how this works? Each button is worth $1 and can be purchased by swappers when the cash out. The buttons go in to a jar and are used by others who can't afford to buy clothes.

 

 

We have a pay-it-forward attitude at HCS which means we are 100% not-for profit. ALL proceeds from the day go directly to the N2N Food Bank, which helps so many communities on the escarpment on a daily basis through a multitude of services.

If you would like to donate to this years swap, 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 :)

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

HCS  xx

Until Next Year...

From the bottom of our hearts we would like to say a HUGE Thank You to everyone who made it out this past Saturday!

It was so nice to see familiar faces from the previous swaps as well as new ones! It was so wonderful to have been a part of Hamilton's first 100 in 1 Day event, from following tweets and seeing pictures it looked like it was such a successful a positive day in our dear city.

With this being our third year hosting The Hamilton Clothing Swap, it has been exciting to watch it grow year after year. The turn out on Saturday was absolutely phenomenal. From what I could see, in between stocking the racks, you all found some wonderful pieces to add to your wardrobe! 

With your support and kindness we far exceeded our donation to N2N from last year! We raised just over $1700 and over 250 lbs of food for the N2N Food Bank. In addition, Living Rock will be receiving a very large, curated donation from us to help their at-risk youth in downtown Hamilton.

We really hope you enjoyed yourself this year and look forward to preparing for our fourth swap next Spring!

Congratulations to Denise, Karen, Michela and Shannon! You were randomly drawn to win one of four $40 gift cards from The Other Bird Restaurants. If you haven't already emailed us your information, please do so :) so we can send it out in the post!

Again, Thank You to all of you swappers! Year after year you blow us away with your kindess and great style!

SWAP ON!

HCS xx

The Calm Before the Storm

Everything is set up & ready for you swappers to find your gently used treasures. We're so very excited to see everyone tomorrow. 

The support we receive each year continues to grow. We couldn't do it without amazing people like you and businesses who believe in us to help pay it forward to communities and individuals who need an extra helping hand.

A big Thank You to Meridian Credit Union for continuing to sponsor us, The Other Bird restaurants for donating gift cards & Starbucks coffee for their generous coffee contributions year after year.

Let's not forget the amazing General Manager, Lorna and Front Manager Clarissa at Theatre Aquarius for our venue and all their help along the way.

Doors will be open at 9:00am sharp. We promise you will not be disappointed. Remember to bring your 1 non-perishable item for admission and lots of change (or bills depending on your loot) for the 1$ & 2$(new clothes with tags) that will be awaiting you!

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

SO, SET YOU'RE ALARMS! We will see you eager swappers in the early morning!

HCS xx

Give A Dollar, Take A Button

Swappers! Can you believe it? We're less than 1 week away from our Third Annual Hamilton Clothing Swap. After months of sorting through clothes, the time has come for us to share our curated garments. We always aim to please and are pretty sure you will not be disappointed.

Be mindful that we only accept cash :) All clothes will be priced at $1 and new clothing with tags will be priced at $2. So, remember your coin purse or wallet depending on your loot and don't forget your 1 non-perishable food item for N2N as your admission.

We have mountains of clothes that we cannot wait to display for you. Remember to come early, bring bags (we will have some on site until supplies last) and get ready to shop!

For those early risers, Starbucks Ancaster has kindly donated coffee for our event! We will also have complementary treats for you throughout the swap to keep you going.

We are doing something a little different this year... we have been inspired by 541 Barton's, Eatery & Exchange, Button Bank and will be infiltrating it in to our swap culture this year. Not familiar with how this works? Each button is worth $1 and can be purchased by swappers when they cash out. The buttons go in to the jar and are used by others who can't afford to buy clothes.

Haven't been to 541 Barton yet? We HIGHLY suggest you go. 

So, will you help us spread the word? Helping those in need on the Hamilton Escarpment and Hamilton Downtown while updating your wardrobe on a shoe string budget - All wins!

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday, don't forget to set your alarm clocks!

HCS xx

The Iconic Soup Can

From the very beginning our amazingly talented friend Sean Cartwright from HERATICS has been the creative force behind our eye catching posters that invade Hamilton each Spring. Once again he has lent us a helping hand in sprucing up our iconic soup can for HSC's third annual swap!

It's friends like Sean that help make this swap successful each year. His poster is now recognizable and sought after during the Spring months within Hamilton. It's become a signal to swappers to clean out their closets and a reminder that HCS is just around the corner.

Keep an eye out for them & mark the date in your calender!

We can barely contain our excitement for June 6th!

HCS xx

100 Acts of Kindness in 1 day

JUNE 6TH 2015

Is not only the date of the Hamilton Clothing Swap but will mark 100In1Day Hamilton's first year in our beautiful city! It's a global festival of civic engagement that takes place all over Hamilton on Saturday June 6th, 2015.

It encourages Hamiltonians to share their vision of our city through the creation of small community-based projects. It's the perfect opportunity for us to share our creative ideas to encourage change within Hamilton. No idea is too big or too small!

We attended a 100In1Day workshop last week and left feeling absolutely inspired and invigorated to support some simple and fun events within our city. Click on the link below to submit your idea and vision for Hamilton!

 

Hamilton Clothing Swap started as a small simple gathering amongst friends during our high school years and has now sparked in to a larger event supporting several communities and programs within Hamilton. All it takes is an idea, a passion for change and vision for a better city.

It's your turn to make your mark & make a change.

HCS xx

Neighbours Helping Neighbours

Since we've started this wonderful fundraiser a few years ago we have been the recipients of some very generous donations. Each year we find new sponsors and donors to help us, help those in need.

Without these wonderful businesses, schools and individuals we wouldn't be able to do what we love and that's giving back to our beautiful city, wonderful communities and growing families within Hamilton.

This year at the Hamilton Clothing Swap the Hamilton-based restaurant group, The Other Bird is graciously donating 4 gift cards, each with a 40$ denomination. By attending the swap your name will be entered to win one of these gift cards!

If you haven't visited their restaurants this is your chance to have your pallet come to life! Whether it's Rapscallion Rogue Eastery, 2 Black Sheep, Black Sheep Snack Bar, The Alex, Except for Kenneth and SOON TO OPEN (& much anticipated taco/bourbon/tequila restaurant) The Mule!

Thank you to both Erin and Matthew for their kind contribution to the Hamilton Clothing Swap. 

We have linked each of the restaurant's websites below: Start sifting through their menus as you may be the lucky swapper to win! Trust us, you won't be disappointment!

HCS xx

Cluttered Closets

Sifting through your closets can sometimes be the most daunting task of the season. Out with the old, out with the new? It happens to the best of us. A clearance sale at Target "forces" you to buy pieces in your wardrobe that you justify having because of the slashed price tag. But it stays in your closet season after season.

You now have a remedy for these impulse shopping sprees that lighten your wallet and thicken your closets.

On Saturday June 6th, we host our third annual swap at Theatre Aquarius! For new swappers joining us for the first time, it's an opportunity for you to clean out your closets for a good cause and pick up some gently used pieces to add to your wardrobe that won't brake the bank!

WIN WIN!

Clothing will be priced between $1 and $2

We promise you will not be disappointed.




Avoid having your friends find out you have a secret messy closet like Monica,
it's never too early to donate!

Contact us at hamiltonclothingswap@gmail.com to arrange a pick up.


HCS xx

 

Here We Go Again!

The coldest February to date is finally behind us, soon winter will be nothing but a mere memory and we here at the Hamilton Clothing Swap are gearing up for our third annual swap!!

Many of you have been itching to hear more details about this years event. We are so excited to announce that HCS will be hosting again at the beautiful Theatre Aquarius on 

Saturday June 6th, 2015.

Remember it is never to early to donate your gently used clothing. If you would like to schedule a pick up for your donation please email us at hamiltonclothingswap@gmail.com.

You can also get updates of this years swap via twitter @HamiltonSwap.

 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 (no stains, holes, tears).
3. Accessories: shoes, purses, scarfs, jewelry, hats etc.
4. All donations must be washed/clean.

We ask that your donations be 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 :)

Thank you to all of the swappers that made the past two years such a success! We are really looking forward to our third annual swap, rest assure you will not be disappointed. 

HCS  xx

Tomorrow! Tomorrow!!

We cannot control our excitement for tomorrow!! Everything is set up & ready to go!

The support this year has been tremendous. We received more clothing donations than expected. This year we are sponsored by Meridian Credit Union, Joe Fresh, Gap, Starbucks and Trend Trunk!
Not to mention the fact that we are able to host the Hamilton Clothing Swap at Theatre Aquarius!
Such a phenomenal run so far!

Doors will be opening at 9am. We promise you will not be disappointed. Remember to bring your 1 non-perishable item for admission and lots of change (or bills depending on your loot) for the 1$ clothing that will be awaiting you!

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

Trend Trunk will also be giving away gift cards to the first 75 guests...

SO, SET YOU'RE ALARMS! We will see you eager swappers in the early morning!



 HCS xx

One Dollar Clothing

Well my friends, we're down to the wire. Fifteen more days until the swap! Clear out those closets, tidy those pantries and join us on Saturday May31st between 9am-2pm at Theatre Aquarius.

We have mountains of clothes that we cannot wait to display for you. Remember to come early, bring bags (we will have some on site until supplies last) and change.

EVERYTHING will be priced at $1. That's cheaper than any box store, cheaper than any fashion outlet, cheaper than your favourite second hand store.. and guess what? You're also helping families and communities within Hamilton.

 

So, will you help us spread the word? Carefully curated swap, $1 clothing and helping those in need on the Hamilton Escarpment and Hamilton Downtown while updating your wardrobe on a string shoe budget - All wins!

Remember to follow us on twitter @HamiltonSwap

Admission is one non-perishable item.

Can't wait to see you all there*

HCS xx

One Month Shy

What a whirlwind it has been these past few months! In just a few weeks time the Hamilton Clothing Swap will be celebrating it's 2nd year of serving multiple communities through your support and donations.

When we started this event we wanted to bring the Escarpment and Downtown Hamilton together. Often times than not, they are two separate entities. The Hamilton Clothing Swap was created through our deep love for Hamilton and the various communities that make it beautiful.

Both charities, Neighbour2Neighbour and Martha's House serve their communities seamlessly.
Our event will not only help them buy more food for their food bank, build community gardens, and provide clothing for life's milestones but allow families who are struggling have that extra helping hand when they are in need.

We're now a month away from our 2nd annual swap and we are beyond excited to share what we have gathered and curated.

Please keep in mind that we are accepting donations right up until the event day. Please contact us @ hamiltonclothingswap@gmail.com to arrange a pick up or for more information on how you can donate.

100% of proceeds will be going to Neighbour 2 Neighbour and Good Shepherd's, Martha's House.

A big THANK YOU to Sean @sltcartwright and his company @weareheratics for this gorgeous poster. Many of you discovered our event last year through his eye-catching posters, we can't wait to see these all over the city this year! SWAP ON!

HCS xx

Two Months & Counting...

We are just under the two month mark for when the Hamilton Clothing Swap commences at the beautiful Theatre Aquarius on May 31st. We have already received so much support from various communities and we THANK YOU!

Donations have been trickling in and we are already further ahead than we were last year at this time and it's all because of you! Please keep us in mind this Spring when you flip through your closet and dresser drawers, the Hamilton Clothing Swap is accepting donations right up until the event so please contact us if you would like a pick up.

Spread the word about the event! It will be a fantastic day of supporting local charities and rejuvenating your wardrobe on a dime. If you joined us last year you are aware of the selection and quality of our garments and accessories. We promise you will not be disappointed this year!

We will have refreshments available for our swappers free of charge to keep you going and swapping!

If that wasn't more incentive to join us on May 31st, Joe Fresh from the Fortinos on Main Street West has generously donated clothing to us!! We are so grateful for their contribution to the Hamilton Clothing Swap. Thank you to Antoinette, Lucy & Maryanne for your kind donation.