Fashion professionals encourage volunteerism to strengthen communities

From left to right, the moderator to six panellists discussed their experience with Gucci for students interested in the industry. (TMU J-SCHOOL/Aliya Karimjee)

According to panellists, it is crucial to be involved in the community to make it in the fashion industry.

On Feb. 13, 2023, Carolyn Frankovich, people partner for Canada and this event’s moderator, highlighted Gucci’s initiative to give back to the community. 

Every full-time employee receives four paid days a year to volunteer at a non-profit organization of their choice. 

Jeck Chou, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) retail management alumni and Nordstrom Eaton Centre’s Gucci store director, explained his thoughts on Gucci’s changemakers pathway.

“To be changemakers, to go out to volunteer, to be fundraising for local SickKids hospital, to be working in a food shelter; those are really rewarding moments I have while working at Gucci,” said Chou.

The brand lets staff volunteer within the community or with the Gucci Equilibrium initiative. 

This initiative allows employees to contribute ideas to help the fashion industry be sustainable. 

Frankovich explained that the first step in taking care of the environment was to use fewer metals, produce ethical jewelry, and host sustainable events certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 

Danielle Hirch, TMU marketing alumni and regional operations manager, explained her involvement with Gucci Green.

Through this committee, she has helped with various initiatives, ranging from helping to reduce energy waste to using a refillable water bottle at work.

“It may seem like a small act, but those ideas and things continue to grow,” said Hirch. 

She elaborated that by raising her hand and proposing a solution to a problem, high-end fashion brands like Gucci would be receptive to ideas. 

“I’m very passionate about sustainability, so I was grateful that I could join a committee such as Gucci Green, and I really did have a voice,” said Hirch.

Frankovich invited Ted Rogers School of Management (TRSM) and Creative School students to share how they get involved in their community.

“We’d like to hear back from you and how you’re a changemaker in your life each and every day and what you can bring to the team,” said Frankovich

As a first-year fashion design student, Hannah Sum witnessed first-hand how many unused scraps the fashion industry discards. 

Because of fashion waste, she made a conscious effort to use leftover fabric and to be sustainable in her designs. 

“Hearing they’re implementing sustainability on more than just production was a really nice change to hear,” said Sum in a phone interview.

Gucci set an example that the fashion industry attributes great importance to volunteerism, whether related to sustainability or food shelters. 

Sum added that she would consider working for Gucci if they keep implementing more goals to create a more sustainable future.

“Giving their employees the opportunity to go out and [volunteer] would definitely give some positive change within the brand, the product and marketing,” said Sum.

Both current and prospective employees appreciated the focus on social change and sustainability.