Queen’s student-run retailer donates over $30,000 to area charities
Queen’s University students, alumni, and enthusiasts can support Kingston area charities while wearing the newest styles in University swag. Oil Thigh Designs (OTD) is a student-run, not-for-profit organization at Queen’s University that donates 100 per cent of all proceeds to various local and global charities.
Last year, six organizations received substantial donations thanks to OTDs customized and promotional apparel and merchandise options.
“Our customs team works closely with over 180 student groups and organizations annually at Queen’s to provide high-quality merchandise for their executive teams and members,” shared Kyla Madeira, third-year Commerce student and Creative Shoot Logistics Coordinator for OTD. “Then, on the other side, our retail and design teams produce Queen’s merchandise to sell throughout the year, including collections for Homecoming and St. Patrick’s Day.”
At the end of every school year, Executive members of OTD hold a vote to decide which charities will receive some of their funds. “Each Executive member has a favourite charity,” Madeira noted, “so we make sure to incorporate as many as we can to support as many charities in the best ways possible.”
Last year’s donation breakdown is as follows:
- $10,000 to Martha’s Table in Kingston, ON.
- $10,000 to Kingston Interval House in Kingston, ON.
- $10,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.
- $2,500 to the Students Helping Students Bursary at Queen’s University.
- $1,700 to Relay for Life Queen’s in Kingston, ON.
- $700 to Unicef Queen’s in Kingston, ON.
“This year, OTD
This year OTD “decided to expand operations with a focus to other faculties outside of the Commerce program, whereas in previous years, we were mainly Commerce-oriented,” Madeira told Kingstonist.
“Our Executive team is composed of students from various faculties, not just Commerce, and we encourage anyone who is interested to apply,” she continued. “Being a part of the Oil Thigh Designs team is a volunteer experience, so there are no course credits or other education benefits for those who work for us. Our members are simply passionate and driven students who are determined to help out the community in whatever way they can.”
A large portion of OTD’s sales is from custom designs, which allows them to make these substantial donations. However, Madeira noted that the Homecoming Collection, Core Collection, Smith Sale, and St. Patrick’s Day collections bring in a large portion of their revenue as well, as they are sold around peak celebration times at Queen’s.
“Our 2022-2023 Homecoming Collection is dropping soon, with all-new designs for Queen’s students and those visiting to choose from and represent during their HOCO festivities. We welcome all students and members of the Kingston community to visit our in-person store in Rideau Hall (207 Stuart Street) to check out our merchandise in person. As well, we are often participating in pop-up sales around campus, so we encourage everyone to follow our social media to keep up with what we’re up to!”
Learn more about OTD and their community impact on their website.