C’mon let’s be honest, we all love clothes and know what a difference putting on a smart outfit has to our overall confidence and self-esteem. You feel like you can take on anything and succeed...
'Dress for Success' is an international not-for-profit organisation that was founded in New York in 1997.
It specialises in helping typically lower income (or no income) women dress in professional business clothing for job interviews and work experience.
Who receives help? It can be anyone from a young woman who has just finished studying and is looking to start her career but doesn’t have any suitable work clothes, through to women who are returning to the workforce. Since its inception, 'Dress for Success' has helped 300,000 women in USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. In New Zealand ‘clients’ are referred by various organisations including AUT, Auckland Business School, Unitec, WINZ and Citizens Advice Bureau.
How does it work? If a client has a job interview or work experience confirmed, they then meet with a team member / ‘personal dresser’ from 'Dress for Success' and have the opportunity to select an outfit, along with accessories, shoes, handbag. If successful in gaining a position the client gets to go back and receive another suit, allowing them to mix and match – and all for free! The outfits are all donated so there is a great selection of sizes and styles available.
Where does the money come from? Dress for Success is continually working on expanding their brand awareness and profile, ensuring that all women who may be eligible know of and use the service. There are a number of fundraising events taking place, and coming up is a pilot promotion in Auckland later this month with No 1 Shoe Warehouse, where customers will be asked if they would like to add $1 to their final purchase price, which will then be donated to 'Dress for Success'.
What are the results? This is a fantastic organisation that has proven results, you can literally see the difference in clients faces when they leave 'Dress for Success' carrying bags full of goodies – smiles beaming from ear to ear!
Clients walk away with their head held a little higher knowing that the world is their oyster. As Amanda Paull, Executive Manager of 'Dress for Success', Auckland commented, “The suit is just the start…” One client said; “I walked in with my trackies and t-shirt and came away with a beautiful outfit, ready for my interview. However, the clothes were only a small part of the 'Dress for Success' experience, as my personal dresser had, without knowing it, built my personal self-esteem with three small words: ‘You look beautiful’. I remember having to stay strong and fight back the tears until I got back to my car. It is amazing how those three words affected me… and boosted my confidence”.
What can you do to help? If you have suits, shoes, belts, handbags or accessories that you’d like to donate, give 'Dress for Success' a call or if you’re keen to donate some of your time they are always on the look-out for volunteers to help in the shop and office. Do you love working with clothes, people and are keen to make a difference? Could be the perfect voluntary job for you!
To find out more about 'Dress for Success', including up and coming events, check out www.dressforsuccess.org and select the location nearest to you. 'Dress for Success' currently have offices in Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch and Northland.
C’mon let’s be honest, we all love clothes and know what a difference putting on a smart outfit has to our overall confidence and self-esteem. You feel like you can take on anything and succeed...
How does it work?