MUN has a thrift shop operated by students, with proceeds going back to the university's community

The founder of a student-led thrift shop at Memorial University says the student community is leading a push for better sustainability efforts on campus.

Margarita Conway, the founder of Student First — located in MUN's former science building on the St. John's campus — created the initiative alongside a student sustainability committee to try and cut down on the waste students leave behind each semester. 

"This is a great solution for being able to reallocate clothing, to be able to reuse, or give a second life to a lot of these clothing items," Conway told CBC Radio's St. John's Morning Show.

The money raised also goes back into the student body. A similar initiative happens each April with a student yard sale on campus, which raised $3,000 last year. 

"That's the goal of this group, to make sure that any funds raised are put right back into the student community, and to Memorial University and St. John's surrounding community," Conway said.

And it isn't just clothing up for grabs. Conway says bedding, kitchenware and other items are in stock.

The shop works on a pay what you can model to cut down on waste, Conway says, noting student participation — and funds raised — almost doubled when the group made the switch from priced items.

"It just shows that if you give the opportunity to community members to be able to give back, then they will. And even with students, I was so surprised, because they're the ones that are facing these financial difficulties," Conway said.

"They know that the funds are going directly back into the students that need them and the community that needs them." 

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