Community support in winter's grip.

Fabián Barrera was worried about being able to afford winter clothing while he browsed various clothing stores in downtown Charlottetown. He moved to P.E.I. three months before from Mexico. It was his first Canadian winter. As a Dental Assistant Holland College student, he didn’t have a lot of money.

Also, he hadn’t found a job yet.

One Saturday he was having lunch at the Soup Kitchen with his friend Gustavo Gonzales who pulled out a big plastic bag and mentioned he was going to an event next door.

“They are giving free coats and boots.” 

“Wait, where?”

“In the library.”

Free clothes sounded too good to be true.

At the library, Barrera heard a rustling noise coming from the back door. He followed it and discovered people were coming in and out with clothing bags. There were tables with toys, shoes and household items. Even one filled with coats.

Nature camp Wild Child P.E.I. organized a Community Swap at the Charlottetown Library on Nov. 25, attracting donors and recipients from across the island.

The swap welcomed donations of clean, gently used clothing, books, craft supplies, and toys. 

Inspired by Toronto's annual clothing swap, the initiative was a collaborative effort between Wild Child P.E.I., the library and Charlottetown's trans community. 

Barrera stumbled upon a pair of mittens and, a sturdy old green coat that would shield him from the cold.

“I had to ask twice to the woman at the door. I didn’t believe it was as easy as just taking it.”

“Anything we can do to help bring the community together,” said Emily Walker, a volunteer and business owner of Ureshii Design. She set up in a mending corner offering her services to “whoever would need it.”

The event was so successful they got extra clothes and toys. The problem was they didn’t have a way to store them. Their offices are very small and they rely on volunteers. The extra items ended up being donated to the Outreach Centre or the Value Village.

“It’s a shame,” said Tamsyn Neale, main organizer, expressing their intention to host similar swaps in the summer and autumn. 

In the following months, this issue increased. The event's second edition, originally planned for April, had to be postponed until June as Wild Child had to start the fundraising all over again.

Barrera and Gonzales were grateful for the event, both found coats and several other items in the swap and stayed warm during winter. 

“My wife and I, we feel like the community actually wants us in here,” said Gonzales after the event.