I've Got An Interview In Store For Y'all Tonight

Hey Y'all! I have a great post for you tonight!!!

I have had this interview prepared for a while now and tonight's the night to share it with you!!

Back in August, I was chit chatting with Woodstu from Maritime Locust Clotheshorse Co. about a non-profit organization called the S.W.A.P team. They run clothing swap events called "Take Off Your Clothes". I was so intrigued by the concept that I contacted one of the co-founders Aleece Germano for two reasons. I wanted to get some info on starting a chapter out here in Calgary and I hoped to get an interview for The Creative Mixx. Well peeps! I got both.........

So, for all my Calgary readers, I'm happy to say that I plan on running a "Take Off Your Clothes" Event!!! Can I get a Woot! Woot!

I'll be filling y'all in with details soon and will let you know the time & date......

This interview will give you the inside scoop on the S.W.A.P Team and their efforts in bringing peeps together to "conserve, share & most importantly have fun!"



I am proud to introduce y'all to Aleece Germano, President & Founder (photo credit
Simon Law )



Can you tell my readers what the S.W.A.P. Team is?
The S.W.A.P. Team is a nonprofit organization that specializes in community clothing recycling. Our mission is to create North America's biggest clothing swap, help local communities by donating unwanted clothes, and promote conscious consumption.

What is your role with this organization and are you involved on a full-time basis?
I'm the President and founder of The S.W.A.P. Team. My work is mainly focused on opening new chapters in various North American cities, bringing new sponsors on board, and thinking about ideas for the future. I also help all of our chapter leaders to ensure that their events run smoothly. I spend at least 20 hours a week working on The S.W.A.P. Team, but since we're all volunteers, I do not get paid for it. It's a labor of love! Now back to my day job :-)


What city did it originate from and how many cities currently participate?
We started The S.W.A.P. Team in Montreal, Quebec. We decided this year to bring our mission to other North American cities, and are actively looking to open at least 10 chapters this year. Currently, we have chapters in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, and Lausanne (in Switzerland, very exciting!). We have good contacts in Boston, Miami, New York, Seattle, and Vancouver, so hopefully we will be there soon as well!
Anyone who likes the idea of community clothing recycling can start a chapter of The S.W.A.P. Team. Send an email to info@theswapteam.org and we'll send you the details on how we work together!


How many years has the "Take Your Clothes Off Event" been up & running?
Take Off Your Clothes is already in its third year as a popular clothing swap. We held our first event in June 2007 and it has grown bigger and bigger ever since. Back in June 2007, we probably had about 50 people attend our debut event at Montreal's Piknic Electronik. In contrast, this past weekend we saw about 300 swappers at the same venue and expect even more next time!


Now there's quite a buzz going on about this event, why do you think that is?
Consumers are becoming better informed and are making wiser choices as a result. In the case of clothing, it no longer makes sense to keep buying solely because we have perceived that something is no longer "in style" or useful, when in fact the fabric alone can be used long after the garment is no longer wearable! We're also in an economic slowdown, so people are looking for ways to save money. I think clothing swaps are here to stay!


How can someone get involved?
We always need volunteers! If you're interested in volunteering, you can send an email to: volunteer@theswapteam.org. Or, follow our volunteer feed on http://www.twitter.com/swapvolunteers
If you're a fashion designer, boutique or other business interested in a partnership opportunity, email us at info@theswapteam.org
And of course, to find out when and where the next swap is taking place, visit the Happenings section of our web site at http://www.theswapteam.org/happenings


Looking ahead....how do you envision the future of the S.W.A.P. team?

Because we're all part of a consumption-oriented system, we're working on ways to change it so that we can all benefit from saving energy, money and precious resources.
Here's a look ahead at some exciting developments we're working on at The S.W.A.P. Team:

*year-round clothing drop-off locations for Take Off Your Clothes

*city vs. city clothing recycling challenges

*our first European event



Here's some photo's taken at previous "Take Your Clothes Off Events"



Photo: Conception Levy www.conception-photo.com


Photo: Conception Levy www.conception-photo.com


Photo: Conception Levy www.conception-photo.com


Photo: Conception Levy www.conception-photo.com


Photo: Conception Levy www.conception-photo.com


Photo: Conception Levy www.conception-photo.com


Photo by Conception Levy
Before I head off for the night. I thought I'd share some cool info with you that Aleece shared with me earlier this week......pretty amazing stuff I'd say:)

"Our Toronto and Montreal events generated 6,000 items of clothing which was donated to The Salvation Army!
In total, about 4000 items were swapped, and everyone had a great time. We are really looking forward to planning our next events in Halifax, Ottawa and perhaps Calgary"


I hope y'all enjoyed the interview.....can't wait to start planning for Calgary's first ever "Take Off Your Clothes" event, cause sharing is good:)

1luv
(don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY I've got going on in collaboration with Omshanti Handcrafts.

CLICK HERE for the info!!!!