LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The SWAID Collective says its recent SWAID Clothing Swap event was a “big success,” attracting 120 attendees from the local and surrounding sex worker communities. Over the course of the evening, “approximately 120 swag bags were handed out, 35 sponsor-provided prizes were raffled off (including a grand prize), and a silent auction also raised money for SWAID’s charitable activities,” SWAID said in a statement issued Monday.
Sponsors for the SWAID Clothing Swap event included CLEAR, ElevatedX, Mr Hankey’s Toys, No Filter Fotos, Peepshow Toys, PS:Group, QueerCrush, RealDoll, System JO, Uberrime and Velvet Alley.
“Our spring Clothing Swap was the biggest one we’ve had yet,” said Sydney Screams, an events and fundraising volunteer for SWAID. “We had a truly diverse group of attendees who were able to access tools to better do their jobs. SWAID’s generous sponsors donated over 35 raffle prizes that we raffled off to raise money for our micro grant program. Thanks to our attendees and our sponsors, SWAID was able to raise over $1,400 that will go directly to sex workers in need via $100 cash micro grants.”
SWAID added that the event’s silent auction alone generated $300 and was won by photographer/talent Jacob Style.
SWAID’s Clothing Swap events are 100% free sex workers from Las Vegas and nearby communities to attend. Participants can exchange clothing, shoes, work equipment and more. SWAID noted that the Swaps have been held since 2016, with each new event growing in participation.
“I’m honored to help grow SWAID’s clothing swaps,” Screams said. “Community is an essential part of success in this industry, and our clothing swaps are all about building community. From our volunteers to our attendees to our sponsors, we’re all in this together. Mutual aid and harm reduction help make our industry safer for everyone, and SWAID is proud to provide community support.”
Reps of the organization said SWAID is “riding a lot of momentum following the clothing swap.” According to adult performer Codi Vore, one of SWAID’s founders, the organization will be ramping up its cooperation with CLEAR in future months.
“CLEAR was one of our Clothing Swap sponsors, and we’re excited to share that we’ll be working even closer with CLEAR going forward,” Vore said. “Anyone buying test kits in Los Angeles from CLEAR will have the option to donate to SWAID at checkout, and CLEAR has generously agreed to match all donations it receives.”
Vore also noted that SWAID received a huge donation from Plan B recently, including about 500 One-Step kits that will be distributed to sex workers who need them. Vore added that the organization still needs more donations, more supporters and more suppliers. Its mutual aid fund alone gives out $7k to $10k per month in micro grants to vulnerable sex workers, funded entirely by independent sex workers in the community and the organization’s fundraising activities.
Companies and individuals interested in donating to SWAID can do so through its website at SWAIDCollective.org. SWAID is a 501(c)(3) organization, so all donations are tax deductible. Follow SWAID on Twitter @swaidvegas to stay current on the organization’s charitable activities.
