Finders keepers, no losers or weepers: The UO Free Store
February 18, 2025
By Isabella Disley
The Free Store, located at 100 Thomas Moore Pvt., in room 102, is exclusive to students, employees and alumni of the University of Ottawa.
Students, employees and alumni of the University of Ottawa can access The Free Store if they bring a university identification card.
Nick Sommers, The Free Store coordinator smiling with volunteers, surrounded by donations at 100 Thomas Moore Pvt., in room 102. (Photo credit: Isabella Disley)
Dana Lin, a common law student, has been a frequent customer since beginning her post-secondary studies.
“I first heard about The Free Store when I was an undergraduate student working with the Students’ Union. The Free Store was putting on a joint event with the Sustainability Centre,” said Lin.
Lin has scored many goodies at The Free Store over time but has one find that is her favourite.
“I have found lots of clothing, but the best thing I found was a uOttawa diploma frame,” said Lin.
Lin emphasized the financial and sustainable impact The Free Store has made on her life.
“The Free Store has really helped me save money as a student when I need a specific item of clothing or build up my professional workwear collection. It also gives me a sustainable and ethical place to donate my old items,” said Lin.
Brenna Mackay, a nursing student, got a shoe rack, a colouring book and a Frank and Oak t-shirt after hearing about The Free Store during the orientation week of her first year.
“It helped me in my first year to be able to see things I had even thought about bringing, but also providing a sustainable way to access them,” said Mackay.
Aliya Henderson, a communications student, found her now favourite pair of pants.
“I found my favourite pair of Carhartt pants in exactly my size. It was a lucky day for sure. You never know what you’ll find,” said Henderson.
Henderson mentioned that The Free Store has a positive and upcycling effect when dealing with the cost of living.
“Obviously, it’s helped to save money throughout the years. It’s retail therapy at no cost. I’d recommend it as it’s a great way to reuse and rescue items that are still in great condition and just looking for a new home,” said Henderson.
Lin recommended students take advantage of The Free Store.
“I think it’s a great free resource for students to receive free items and reduce waste,” said Lin.
Nick Sommers, the coordinator of The Free Store, is driven to create a sustainably aware environment. Sommers is part of a team of 25-30 volunteers that changes each semester.
“We aim to create a circular economy, and we want people to be conscious of how much they consume and where their waste goes. We really want people to make sure they reuse their clothes as long as they can and make sure when they’re done with them that they get into the hands of someone else who could use them,” said Sommers.
Sommers listed the variety of freebies available.
“We have pretty much everything besides big furniture. We have school supplies, kitchenware, all types of clothing, bedding, bags, boots, shoes, sandals, everything really,” said Sommers.
Sommers has witnessed firsthand how beneficial The Free Store is for students.
“Day in and day out, I have people coming here and tell me that they found exactly what they needed and didn’t have the money to buy whatever that was and that we’re really helping them out. I hear all the time that people are becoming more conscious of how much they consume when they come here and how much they can get instead of going to the store and buying what they need,” said Sommers.
The Free Store has pop-ups at the beginning and end of every semester to sustainably inform and advocate the campus community.
