The Arts Lounge became a centre for activity from Nov. 3-5 as the Racial Equity and Inclusion Alliance (REIA) and the Arts Student Body Council (ASBC) hosted a thrift market for students. The event featured a wide range of pre-loved items from clothing to jewelry ranging $5 to $25, as well as refreshments such as pizza, coffee and bubble tea.

Students were encouraged to donate items with the opportunity to earn money back. Some proceeds from the event’s sales went toward student initiatives and programs organized by ASBC and REIA, including scholarships, health and wellness initiatives and other campus-focused projects.

Safron Blais, ASBC women’s representative, spoke on the event. “People seem like they enjoy the break from school to look at clothing pieces.” Blais also mentioned she purchased a cardigan from the market and highlighted the ways this event is helpful for students. “It’s nice to provide opportunities for myself and other students to have access to affordable clothing, especially with the increase of fast fashion and the prices of clothing — and everything in general — going up,” she said.

The thrift market is not a new initiative. REIA and ASBC first hosted a similar event in spring 2025 and are already looking forward to hosting another market in the winter term.

Ysabelle Tankeko, a student attendee, said she really enjoyed the event and shared her thoughts. “I think thrifting is really important, especially [in a time of] a lot of fast fashion. Sometimes clothes are super expensive these days, as well.” Tankeko added that events like these make shopping both accessible and enjoyable. Beyond affordability, students appreciated knowing that their purchases were contributing to meaningful campus initiatives.

Student volunteers from both REIA and ASBC played a crucial role in organizing the event, sorting donations, arranging displays and making the market a welcoming space for all attendees, all while juggling shifts between their classes.