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Bicycle accident inspires new ethical clothing store in downtown Penticton

Slow Current focuses on sustainability, Canadian brands and ethical manufacturing
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The exterior of Slow Current, downtown Penticton’s newest clothing store. (Submitted photo)

Sometimes good things can emerge from difficult times.

This was the case for longtime resident Susie Gay who launched off her mountain bike on Aug. 24, 2022, breaking her shoulder in eight places.

With so many breaks, Gay was told by doctors that movement could cause displacement. The 38 days that followed were spent in stillness.

“It was a ‘break’ in so many ways. While the recovery was challenging, it presented the gift of time. A break from work and the busyness of life, to dream and start bringing our vision to reality,” said Gay.

It was this stillness that was the catalyst to fulfilling a dream Susie and her husband Bryan Gay had had for years: a conscious and connected type of store, with an equal emphasis on men’s wear.

Located at 285 Westminster Ave. W., Slow Current is now open, offering clothing and accessories with a focus on sustainability, Canadian brands, and ethical manufacturing in downtown Penticton.

From these 38 days of stillness came close to the same number of brands that are now featured at Slow Current.

Some brands support women’s freedom from human trafficking, slavery, and poverty through a self-sustaining job. Some help farmers to regenerate their fields to organic practices. Some brands make swimwear from recycled ocean plastic waste. Some help give people access to clean water (22,636 people and counting).

With brand names like Made For the People, Frank and Oak and Active Humans, there is a connection to each clothing piece.

Slow Current is at 285 Westminster Ave. W., (across from Pizzeria Tratto).

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Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
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