The fashion industry is hard on the planet. It is one of the top pollution producing industries, beginning with the manufacturing process and ending with the tons of clothing that end up in landfills each year. In an effort to update their closets more conscientiously, the women behind Chautauqua Girls Pint Out (GPO) hosted a clothing swap event at Bemus Point Golf Club and Tap House on March 13th.
Twenty three women participated by bringing lightly worn clothing and accessories to trade with each other as they sipped on beer and enjoyed each other’s company in a fun, casual atmosphere. First time clothing swap participant, Sheena Dippel, thought it was a wonderful experience, adding, “It was a great opportunity to clean out closets, have a fun girls night out and bring home a few new-to-me items! Knowing what wasn’t taken would be going to the Anew Center was extra meaningful and motivating.”
As Dippel indicated, everything that remained after the swap was donated to the Salvation Army Anew Center, Chautauqua County’s domestic violence and rape crisis support (?) program. Along with multiple bags of clothing and accessories, GPO also raised $120 for the charity through a small participation fee.
“As a past employee of the Anew Center, I have firsthand knowledge of how important this donation is to women and children in our community,” said Melissa Paduano, a member of GPO. “Many, many women show up to the shelter with nothing but the clothes they are wearing and are not able to safely return to their homes for extended amounts of time. Being able to provide them with clothing is one less worry they have to focus on.”
