Fashion students partner with Goodwill for pop-up shop fundraiser to promote sustainability

Second-year students in Fanshawe's Fashion Marketing and Management Program partnered with Goodwill Industries to present The Story, a sustainable pop-up shopping event December 4 in Canada Life Village Square, located at the heart of Fanshawe’s Innovation Village. 

The event featured a curated selection of gently used clothing and accessories that students re-styled and upcycled into unique, conversation-starting pieces.

Professor Deb Trotechaud, who has led the College’s participation in this key learning experience for many years, says the project highlights how second-hand fashion can drive environmental and social impact. 

“Second-hand fashion is not just a trend; it's a movement reshaping the way we think about clothing,” she says. “It transforms the way we value our wardrobes, reduces waste and fosters sustainable choices that are fashionable and forward thinking."   

Now in its 16^th year, the partnership between Goodwill Industries and Fanshawe provides students with valuable hands-on experience in event planning, merchandising, marketing and social media promotion. Throughout the fall term, students selected and re-styled garments donated by Goodwill, conducted photo shoots and developed marketing content in preparation for the pop-up. 

Julia Chubb, one of 13 students to bring the initiative to life, says the experience has been “really exciting and super valuable.”

“It’s been so cool to see all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating a pop-up. I’ve found it useful because it’s given me hands-on experience I wouldn’t really get in a classroom,” she says. “It’s so rewarding watching something you helped create over a whole semester come to life.”

"This continues to be a beneficial collaboration and positive learning experience for the students as well as for many of the team members here at Goodwill," says Tracy Hilts, the regional manager of Goodwill Industries. "The students have done a terrific job curating a catalogue of restyled and vintage clothing and creating a community experience." 

Proceeds from the event will fund the Community Impact Award, given to a Fashion Marketing Management student who demonstrates a positive attitude and creates a positive classroom environment. 

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