The hum of stitching machines may be heard on the Brique par Brique Group Centre in Montreal’s Parc-Extension, the place the month-to-month initiative Alter-Mode isn’t nearly fixing a jacket or hemming a pair of pants.
Newcomers to Canada—a lot of them skilled seamstresses and tailors—are sharing their craft with the group whereas additionally stitching collectively a way of belonging.
“Seeing individuals thank the aunties for the restore, attempt on their new garments, seeing it put a smile on their face,” mentioned Arman Faruqui, Alter-Mode’s Mission Coordinator. “It’s all actually lovely to see.”
On the final Saturday of each month, group members are invited to go to the centre to have objects altered.
They’re additionally welcome to donate attire and take part of their clothes swap.
“Some individuals resolve to take one thing from the garments swap and get it altered and repaired to suit them higher from the aunties proper there,” defined Faruqui. “Individuals are welcome to convey what they wish to donate as a lot as they like.”
“And persons are welcome to additionally take as a lot as they like,” he added. “No matter what they provide.”
As for the clothes orders, most are altered on the spot -– the remainder, completed per week later, then prepared for pickup.
Alongside her household, Harpreet Kaur got here to Montreal from India three years in the past.
She’s been a part of the initiative for a number of months now –- sharing her passion whereas incomes via the financial donations.
“Individuals ought to come as a result of the women don’t have work however they’re getting an opportunity,” she mentioned. “They’re getting a platform to indicate their abilities, present their skills and on this means (the group) can come and donate one thing to them.”
Brique par Brique lately obtained a brand new group centre close to Rosemont Metro.
The primary occasion they are going to host there may be the following addition of Alter-Mode – on March 28 from 3 p.m. to six p.m.
“We invite everybody within the metropolis to return,” mentioned Faruqui. “And be part of this glorious initiative.”
