The LinX Student Lounge looked more like a pop-up boutique on Jan. 21, with racks of brand-name clothing, boxes full of running shoes and long queues of students eager to grab some deals.
Humber’s Threads of Care hosted the event run by Canada Unites, a charity whose mission is to support students and their families in high schools, colleges and universities, in partnership with brands in Canada.
A monthly event that takes place at the LinX Lounge, said Shaun Carson, associate director for Student Life and Learning, adding he was impressed with the turnout.
“Today's event was very, very busy and very, very successful,” he said.
“I think the word is slowly getting out there, or maybe quickly, that we have free brand-new clothing to give away - brands from Canada,” he said.
With the economy in a state of flux and increased prices due to tariffs, students could certainly benefit from this initiative.
Humber student Zaher Zantout lined up early and shared that he was able to snag a beret, some socks and a pair of Nikes.
He said he also attended the event last month.
“They sent me some information by email that it will be happening here today and tomorrow at Lakeshore as well,” he said.
Yu Tze Liang, a second-year Computer Programming student from Taiwan, said she was excited to be there. It’s also her second time attending.
“Who doesn't love freebies, right? Especially for students who don't really have income right now,” she said.
“And they're actually really nice. And I got a pair of shoes. And it's from Nike. Can you imagine? It's probably worth like, I don't know, 300, 200 bucks or something like that,” Liang said.
Students were allowed their pick of three items while stocks lasted.
Carson said students have it hard, as it’s not cheap to attend school. He said this is a way for the brands to give back.
“The brands that donate obviously get something out of it too, because they get brand recognition that they're giving away, you know, while trying to help students out,” he said.
