Having known Diana Prairie since I was twelve, I am continually in awe of everything she’s accomplished and the tireless energy she pours into helping those around her. I asked her how she would describe herself, her answer perfectly captured her multifaceted life: “Wife, mother, nana, daughter, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, and compassionate counsellor. In my work, I am trained in many types of therapy, am a grief counsellor, and an ASIST Trainer (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), who loves doing presentations on everything from self-care to conflict resolution.” That’s a lot, right? There is so much more to Diana’s story.
Like the fact that Diana has also been called “The Clothing Lady”.
Balancing a career, raising children, and making time for a spouse consumes nearly all the waking hours in a day. When someone still manages to identify a need in their community and take meaningful action, it speaks volumes about their dedication to the greater good. In this case, that story of dedication begins in the most unlikely of places to find inspiration. The local landfill.
Over thirty years ago, a simple trip to the dump in Kaministiquia sparked an idea that grew into a treasured local tradition of providing free clothing to people and families in need. Diana and a friend were dropping off items when a discarded bag split open, revealing baby clothes with the tags still attached, which had been discarded from a retailer. Disheartened to see new items thrown away instead of donated, they knew there had to be a better way to get good clothing into the hands of anyone who needed it. That single moment grew into what is now known as The Clothing Exchange.
They started small, and by Diana’s own admission, a little bit realistically naive. They advertised for their first Clothing Exchange out at the Kam Community Centre. They made homemade sandwiches, coffee, and juice for the kids, and invited anyone who needed clothes to simply come and take them.
It was grassroots community care in its purest form. When Diana’s husband became ill, they moved into Thunder Bay, and she quickly realized the logistics of running the event in Kam would be too difficult.
Fortunately, a friend connected her with St. Michael’s Church on Red River Road. The church opened its doors and graciously offered its accessible, ground-floor space for free. That location became the permanent home of an event that has now run for over thirty years.
While it is officially called a “clothing exchange,” Diana is often asked how much the clothing costs and if you have to bring something in exchange for the clothing. She tells them it’s more of a 100% off sale that takes place twice a year.
Women’s clothing is sorted by size, ranging from young teens all the way up to plus sizes. There are tables dedicated entirely to outerwear, shoes, purses, bedding, and, in the fall, even Halloween costumes.
Diana, whose professional background is in social work, operates this massive undertaking to offer just one thing for the people who come to shop. Dignity.
Standards for what makes it onto the tables have become strict. Stained, ripped, or broken items are not accepted. The volunteers are also instructed to keep original store tags on the items. Diana believes that just because someone is going through a tough financial season doesn’t mean they shouldn’t experience the joy and dignity of wearing something brand new, or proudly picking out a beautiful, high-quality garment.
Advertising for the event starts two to three months before the events in spring and fall. Diana explains, “We pick those dates specifically. In the spring, the kids are growing out of the year’s school clothes, and in the fall, usually in October, because parents have already gone through their kids clothes to see what fits and they’re looking for new items. But those who can afford to buy new donate their kids clothes, which is great.”
Diana shared a story from a few years back, which still brings a big smile to her face, and it perfectly captures the essence of this entire operation.
“We were setting up the morning of one of the events many years ago, and I had forgotten milk for the coffee for the volunteers. So I went to leave, and a fellow was standing outside in the parking lot. I said, ‘Oh, are you going in?’ He said ‘Look! This is a brand new jacket!’ And you could tell he hadn’t had a brand new jacket in a long time.
He said, ‘This is so cool. My mom is still in there shopping. Whoever put this on, please tell them, thank you.’ I didn’t tell him it was me. Seeing someone really just loving the fact that they get good clothing to wear. It does my heart
good.”
Putting together an exchange requires an army of helpers. For Diana, that army has always included her family.
For decades, Diana’s basement has transformed into “Blue Bag City” in the months leading up to the sale. She spends her evenings sitting in front of the television, sorting through mountains of donations, checking zippers, and organizing sizes. But she hasn’t done it alone. The event has become a family tradition of giving back that has been passed down through the generations.
It truly takes a village. Her husband, Mark, is a constant pillar of support, while her sisters Theresa, Lola, and Heather, niece Tuula, and her brother Tony and his wife, Claudia, offer everything from donation drop-off space to extra hands. Her kids and grandkids are the engine of the operation. Alex and Rachel sort, fold, and prep for the big day, while Amber manages the official “The Clothing Lady - New To You Free Clothing Exchange” Facebook page to ensure everyone knows when the doors will open. When it comes to loading day, her son Jeff and grandson AJ, the designated muscle, haul countless heavy bags up from the basement and into trucks bound for St. Michael’s.
As incredible as this journey has been, running an event of this magnitude for 32 years does take a toll. The late nights of sorting, the heavy lifting, and the logistical planning are a huge undertaking. Recently, Diana has realized it is time to slow down and embrace a semi-retirement from the physical demands of the exchange.
But there are two incredible volunteers, twins that Diana refers to as her “sisters of the heart,” Sherri and Kerri, who have stepped up to take the reins. Affectionately dubbed the new “Clothing Executives,” Sherri and Kerri, along with their own network of friends and family are making sure the tradition continues without skipping a beat.
Diana’s original vision, born out of a split garbage bag in a Kaministiquia dump, has blossomed into an unbreakable community safety net. It is a reminder that in our city and area, there are people who look out for one another. They share what they have, make sure neighbours are warm, and most importantly, make sure they feel seen, valued, and respected.
