A call went out for departments across the university to participate in the project by handing over any items (signage, clothing, USB keys, staplers, etc.) and they delivered. The team behind the project came up with many creative ideas to repurpose items. Who knew nail polish remover would come so in handy – it ended up being highly effective for removing the old university name from items like water bottles and tote bags.
The Athletics and Recreation department was able to reuse much of the Ryerson Rams branded clothing to create 27 one-of-a-kind looks designed by TMU fashion school alumni and worn by TMU varsity athletes in an Upcycled Gear Fashion Show last fall. The unique pieces were then auctioned off with proceeds benefiting the TMU Bold Equity and Inclusion Award. Several garments are still available and can still be purchased.
Many items were donated to Toronto Homeless Connect and The Yonge Street Mission, providing options to those in need. The university also engaged partners like the Waste Reduction Group, Souvenir Canada and Norwich Plastics to take items that were able to be recycled.