LOTTO MAX Thrift Drop combines fun with style, and a chance to win millions

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

In 2023, almost half of Canadians said they had purchased second-hand in the past 12 months (Statista). 83% of Gen Z already hope or are willing to thrift secondhand items (Thred Up). Year-over-year interest in thrifting has also surged about 48% online (NextAtlas).

Thrifting has surged in popularity due to a combination of environmental, economic, and social factors. As awareness of sustainability grows, more people are choosing to buy second-hand clothing to reduce waste, and the environmental impact of fast fashion. Let’s be real here, economically, thrifting offers a budget-friendly alternative to purchasing new items, allowing individuals to save money while still enjoying a diverse and unique wardrobe.

Socially, the rise of thrifting is also fueled by the trend towards individuality and creativity in fashion, as shoppers seek out one-of-a-kind pieces that express their personal style. Additionally, the thrill of discovering hidden gems and the nostalgic appeal of vintage items add to the allure of thrifting, making it a fun and rewarding experience.

OLG has partnered with international fashion designer Kevin Leonel to launch LOTTO MAX Thrift Drop, a limited-edition, upcycled clothing collection that includes a lottery bonus that can be used toward a year’s worth of LOTTO MAX tickets, giving people the chance to go from Retro to Riches. Kevin Leonel is an international designer known for reimagining sports memorabilia and vintage fabrics into one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art for the biggest celebrities and athletes on the planet, including major sports teams.

The LOTTO MAX Thrift Drop clothing collection, including handmade hoodies, jackets, and shirts, was created using thrifted textiles and numbers to create upcycled, one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art. Kevin Leonel and his team took five months to create this hand-made collection, sourcing approximately 700 different textiles and over 7,000 numbers from thrift sellers.

“I’m a dreamer, myself. That’s how I got to be here, doing what I love,” shares Kevin Leonel. “Numbers can be special for people. It’s a way to connect with your dreams. My team and I really enjoyed assembling these pieces for LOTTO MAX knowing each number we sewed on could give someone the chance to go from retro to riches.”

Each one-of-a-kind piece in the LOTTO MAX Thrift Drop collection includes a code redeemable for one year’s worth of LOTTO MAX tickets ($260.00 CAD) on OLG.ca. The first thrifted collection that’s also your lottery ticket features the following items:

• Knitted split hoodie
• Vintage lace jacket
• Vintage lace shirt
• Split T-shirt

Each one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art features seven numbers sourced from thrifted textiles, which could be used as the seven numbers players pick when they play LOTTO MAX.

“LOTTO MAX Thrift Drop combines fun with style, while maintaining OLG’s commitment to give back to local communities,” said Melissa Finley, Director, National Draw Based Games, OLG. “The last time LOTTO MAX dropped a clothing line; it sold out in 24 hours. We wanted to give more Ontarians the chance to not just look like a million bucks, but to experience the thrill of LOTTO MAX and have a chance to win millions, too.”

You heard Melissa! The last time LOTTO MAX dropped a clothing line, it sold out in almost 24 hours! So, the LOTTO MAX Thrift Drop collection goes on sale on July 22^nd, 2024, and will be first made available to those who sign up in advance for access to the sale on OLG.ca/ThriftDrop before July 21^st, 2024. Access does not guarantee the ability to purchase as quantities are limited.

OLG is donating all proceeds from the LOTTO MAX Thrift Drop collection to EcoEquitable, a registered charity based in Ottawa that is dedicated to reducing textile waste and empowering women through sewing skills development. EcoEquitable was chosen because the nonprofit has been dedicated to sustainability and educating individuals and organizations on upcycling practices for over 20 years. EcoEquitable and OLG both work to uplift the people of Ontario through their initiatives.