Montreal Community Initiative Supports Newcomers Through Tailoring
A community center in Montreal’s Parc-Extension neighborhood offers newcomers an opportunity to display their sewing expertise while easing their transition to life in Canada. The Alter-Mode program occurs at the Brique par Brique center on the last Saturday of each month. Skilled seamstresses and tailors repair, modify, or repurpose donated clothing from local residents.
Participants who bring items contribute a cash donation determined by the repair’s complexity and required materials, according to project coordinator Arman Faruqui. This setup provides an affordable way for community members to refresh their outfits and allows the women involved to generate income. “Those cash donations go directly to the aunties,” Faruqui explained. “We’re super happy to be generating a revenue stream for them, where they can be working on something they enjoy and earning money with dignity.”
Building Confidence and Community Connections
Harjinder Kaur, a community coordinator at Brique par Brique, draws from her personal journey to inspire others. Having arrived in Montreal from India as a former teacher, she sought ways to integrate and contribute. After volunteering for months, she secured a position at the center. “It was a big opportunity for me and I was so happy,” she shared. Now, Kaur encourages participants by saying, “I always tell them, I was the same as you are right now. You’re going to be the way I am right now.”
The program not only fosters economic independence for immigrants, newcomers, and refugees but also promotes sustainable fashion practices. Alter-Mode includes upcycling services and a clothing swap to reduce waste and encourage eco-friendly choices.
Local Engagement and Future Growth
Visitors appreciate the blend of affordability and skill-building. Eugenia Leavitt attended with her daughter, drawn by the emphasis on reusing garments. “We don’t want to throw clothing away,” she noted. “It’s super exciting cause they have all these skills, they can fix things, but they can also restyle and add a special touch to it, so that can be cool to see.”
Laura Mousaraganyi joined to donate clothes and strengthen community ties. “I just like any opportunity I have to connect with people, connect with the community,” she said. “And it’s important for newcomers to feel welcome and integrated into their new society.”
Faruqui aims to broaden the Alter-Mode initiative, planning additional events to enhance support for participants and the neighborhood.
