Amie Armet and other volunteers are getting prepared for the second annual Costumes for Kids Event in Nanaimo. (submitted photo)

By Ian Holmes

Inclusive & sustainable

Costume borrowing event for kids takes place in Nanaimo

Oct 12, 2023 | 5:31 AM

NANAIMO — A complementary Nanaimo based costume borrowing service is designed to make Halloween more accessible and sustainable.

The second annual Costumes for Kids Event happens Saturday, Oct. 14 at Vancouver Island Regional Library’s Nanaimo Harbourfront branch, organized by Mamas for Mamas local chapter member Amie Armet.

She said about 100 costumes primarily for children of all ages will be available to be borrowed free of charge from 12:00 to 3 p.m. on the library’s second floor.

“It is important for the kids to feel that they can kind of have a choice with their costume and fit in with their peers. Having this lending library seems to be a good fit for everyone,” Armet told NanaimoNewsNOW.

She said beneficiaries from last year’s debut event saw “everybody leave with a smile on their face”.

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Costumes will be organized and can be tried on at the event, while healthy snacks and arts and crafts will also be available, Armet said.

In reference to her work with the local Mamas for Mamas chapter, Armet constantly hears from families struggling with acquiring basic necessitates like food and school supplies.

In addition to making Halloween more affordable and less stressful, Armet said the Costumes for Kids Event is also geared for young trick-or-treaters wanting to reduce their waste output.

“Having new costumes each year doesn’t seem great for the planet either — it just seemed like there was a need there and it was something I was happy to organize and put forward.”

Available costumes are made up of returns from event participants last year, as well as donations from now-closed Patties Party Palace and the general public.

Last minute Costumes for Kids Event donations can be placed in a marked purple bin at the Nanaimo Harbourfront library branch’s main floor on Friday, Oct. 13 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“We’re just getting the word out there as it spreads and hopefully gets bigger with more costumes going out to people,” Armet said, who noted even a few adult costumes are available.

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes