A Lethbridge Polytechnic student examines a red sweater among piles of donated clothing during the Thrift and Thrive event hosted by the Lethbridge Polytechnic Students’ Association on Oct. 17, 2025.

More students than ever turned out to the Thrift and Thrive event this fall.

They quickly emptied tables of donated clothes, as organizers said donations went faster than usual in previous years, as fewer clothing donations were given at this year’s Thrift and Thrive event.

“Inflation for consumer goods and services increased last month, with prices rising by 2.4 per cent compared to a year ago, according to Statistics Canada,” according to an article on Global News by Ari Rabinovitch.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase for September was higher than the increase from August’s reading of 1.9 per cent.” As the cost of living in Canada rises, an event that provides clothing for free helps put a smile on the faces of students.

“We want to make an impact on students. Students are struggling nowadays financially and even mentally,” says JP Gentile, Lethbridge Polytechnic Students’ Association manager. For some students, the Thrift and Thrive event was more than just a giveaway idea it was a real moment of financial relief.

The event is primarily designed to promote sustainable community connection among students, promote sustainable fashion and student engagement as they explore clothing options while enjoying the interactive atmosphere among other students.

“We got things that people probably couldn’t afford, and they didn’t even know that they needed,” said Oluwa Damilola Akinrogunde, Lethbridge Polytechnic student.

Around her, chatter filled the room as Lola and her friends looked through clothes on a pile, racks of socks and gently used coats and boots into their bags.

The atmosphere was lively, yet truly heartwarming as some students packed items for friends who couldn’t attend, leaving a reminder of what community feels like on campus. The event was held in the Trades AN 1804 room, which attracted hundreds of students on campus over the course of the day.

This event combined shopping, learning and socializing while creating a fun atmosphere. As its primary core, Thrift and Thrive emphasized first sustainability, with the growing awareness of the high cost of clothing, thrifting has become one of the practical alternatives.

“Helping students reduce their spending on items due to an increase in prices puts a smile on our faces,” says Gentile. The event highlighted a wide array of clothing and accessories, and shoes from local donations and contributions from individuals and organizations.

The Thrift and Thrive event reflects the student-centred initiatives that blend sustainability and community interaction by the LPSA. Gentile says this helped the event become more meaningful and enjoyable.

The thrift and thrive emphasized LPSA’s stand on students’ well-being and support.