Graduation Rotation will dress up your grad with free semi-formal clothing

With only a few months until summer, graduation planning is in full swing, and a local initiative wants to ensure local grads are well-dressed for their important events.

Graduation Rotation hopes to recycle gently used semi-formal attire by keeping the clothing out of landfills and making it available to other eco-conscious students, according to organizers of the event.

The first event for Graduation Rotation this year is a Find Your Fit pop-up event, taking place at Kingston Danceforce Studios. Interested students can browse the inventory of dresses, suits, shoes and accessories at 683 Innovation Drive, Unit 4, which is accessible by Kingston Transit on the 601/602 route.

With a $25 refundable deposit, graduates can take home a dress or suit, and help keep clothing from landfills. With over 300 dresses to choose from, and some suits, there will be something for everyone. Accessories like shirts, ties and shoes are free. The deposit is returned with the return of the clothing, cleaned and in good repair.

“This isn’t a needs-based event,” explained Karen Mattes, one of the event organizers. “It’s for anyone that wants to save money, and save waste. The fashion industry is one of the world’s worst polluters — why buy a dress that may only be worn once? Almost 100 of the dresses were donated brand new with tags, and Graduation Rotation likely has a bigger selection with a wider size range (0-24) than most stores in town.”

Those who can’t make this east end event can join the Graduation Rotation Facebook group. They regularly share images of available clothing, and news of upcoming events. According to Mattes, the organization has plans in the works for a similar event in Loyalist Township.

Appointments are required for the Find Your Fit event, which is taking place Friday, Apr. 29, 2022. Learn more and book a time through the Graduation Rotation Facebook event page or by emailing [email protected].