“If you have a job, why do you use the Free Market?” This is a common misunderstanding that comes up, one I’d like to set straight.

The Free Market opened it doors in 2005 with the efforts of a small group of Trent students. The aim was to keep clothing out of the landfill, and to recycle it and provide it to people who could use it.

Everybody is welcome to stop by and take what they want. The key word here is “everybody.” No matter who you are, come on in and see what we got. We don’t ask for ID and we don’t need any proof of income. The outcome of this is that we, as humans, need clothing for survival.

The need to feel good is expressed in our clothing style. We believe this is important for everyone. We also believe this basic need should be provided, and this is why the Free Market is, well, free.

There is no pressure to donate and you are free to take what you want. There is no three-item limit. The Free Market policy has always been “take what you want.”

There is more than enough to make sure everybody can get something. The small space is over-filled with clothing, shoes, bed sheets, school supplies, toys, and books.

This common worry can be debunked when you step into the Free Market. Donations are gladly accepted, and bins are available around the Trent campus as well as outside Sadleir House. Two bins are also located at Bata library in front of the Tim Horton’s.

For the past 11 years now, these donations have helped keep Peterborough landfills free of clothing. They have helped in showing what the word “recycling” is all about.

The movement doesn’t stop with the Free Market. With the help of Fleming College students, two versions of the Free Market can now be found at the two main Fleming campuses (Peterborough and Lindsay).

There are huge amounts of clothing donations that come into the Free Market. Volunteers, staff, and board members are the reason why the Free Market doors are opened every week.

The Free Market is open every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and every Thursday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This misunderstanding has been cleared up for those who come in and use the free service.

The Free Market has welcomed people in from across Canada – people from as far as Chatham-Kent have even come down to use the service!

Come on by and see what we have to offer. And make sure to spread the word. Word of mouth will make sure that others who don’t come due to these

misunderstanding can make use of this service.

Visit us online at opirgptbo.ca/free-market/ and see what we have to offer. For 11 years, the Free Market has been a staple in OPIRG services and we hope these services help everyone that comes in, so come on by and see what free stuff we have to offer! Stay tuned for a free giveaway day coming up.