Second year Justice Studies student Brody Watson does the math quickly out loud. A nice blazer could cost about $25 at the thrift store and if he needs about five items to make a professional outfit, it could cost about $70 total.
He tries on a free black blazer over his t-shirt with a graphic of a cartoon sun and bright colours for the ska punk band Sublime. He’s in the middle of a cafeteria.
The question is whether the blazer actually fits.
“No, but I’ll find stuff that does,” Watson said.
He happened to wander into IGNITE and the Black Student Support and Engagement’s (BSSE) Canada Unites free pop up shop at north campus’ cafeteria, addressing issues of student affordability by giving away free, brand new items.
Watson’s looking at the belts, blazers and ties available for men. He thinks it’ll help when he has to interview for co-op placement, that the variety is appropriate and practical for students.
The event was held Thursday from noon to 2 p.m. at North campus. Their next event will be Oct. 15 from noon to 2 p.m. at Lakeshore campus' K building.
Students are able to drop in and pick out a variety of goods: up to five clothing items, five accessories, one skincare product, one footwear item and a single outerwear item.
IGNITE was unable to comment on the event. BSSE Program Assistant Everton Jamie Caine said they started setting up for the event at 10 a.m. and were able to open up at noon.
The line up of students waiting had become too long that it had to be broken up into two lines to avoid blocking foot traffic. Cain said this event helps students with affordability issues.
“I know as a resource at Humber, we can’t solve every issue but I think we’re able to make an indent and make an impact,” Caine said.
First year Practical Nursing student Amanda Black picked up a concealer that was not in the right shade for her, but plans to mix it with other products to match her shade.
She only ended up with a few undergarments and the concealer, noting the sizes available didn’t fit her body and didn’t exactly match her style.
Despite the lack of variety for her, she still appreciates the sentiment since she needs more undergarments as a nursing student, mentioning nursing requires wearing more layers.
“It’s nice to know that they give back practical stuff that you can use in everyday life,” she said.
If things were different, Black said she would like more shoes since a lot of students are commuters and nurses are on their feet for a long time. She wishes there was more “stretchy stuff.”
First year Recreation and Leisure Services student Rebecca Jasmine said she was really excited when she got the email about the event, one of a number of students who heard of it ahead of time.
She shows off a slimming black leather pair of pants, a creamy silk dress and “this cool shirt.” She’s not done shopping though, and looking forward to finding more items.
Jasmine said she was worried about student costs and appreciates the help.
“I think it’s cool how they acknowledged student prices are a lot. It’s a lot going to school and they’re giving something to us,” she said.
