Duane Hicks
A women’s clothing and bake sale fundraiser in support of the soon-to-be-launched “Dress for Work” program is slated for this Saturday (April 28) from 8-11 a.m. downstairs at Curvy Chick (256 Scott St.)
“Dress for Work” is a new non-profit program that will provide disadvantaged women in Rainy River District with outfits to go to job interviews and to get back into the workforce.
Although the initiative has drawn generous support from the public since late January, Saturday’s event hopefully will provide some extra funds, said local entrepreneur Jennifer Horton.
“We’ve gathered clothing and have gone through all of our initial donations, and sorted out what’s appropriate for the program and what’s nice but not quite appropriate,” she explained.
“So we thought, ‘We need to raise some funds for the program. We’ll do a clothing sale.’
“Whatever clothing is left over we’ll donate to the UNFC’s spring clothing giveaway,” Horton added.
All clothing will be $2 while baking will cost $1-$4.
Horton noted funds raised Saturday will be used for marketing materials and to buy certain clothes “to fill in what we’re missing.”
She had put out a call for gently-used workwear, like suits, pants, jackets, dresses, blouses, shoes, and more, back in late January and still is getting clothing in.
“Every week I get donations,” Horton remarked, adding this is good because once the program is running and clothing is being given out to women in need, donations will be required continuously.
As of right now, however, some items lacking include jewellery, tops (XL and above), basic black pants (all sizes), size 7 shoes, and black flat shoes (all sizes).
Horton hopes to have an exact date for a program launch in a couple of weeks.
Once up and running, women will be able to access “Dress for Work” by referral from various partner agencies.
“The response has been overwhelming,” Horton enthused. “There’s been a lot of positive feedback.
“I have about a half-dozen partner agencies who’ve already agree to participate, and about another dozen that I am working on confirming.”
“Dress for Work” also will need volunteers.
“At our event on Saturday, we’ll have a volunteer sign-up sheet and then an information session for volunteers in the near future,” Horton said.
For more info on donating or volunteering, contact Horton at 270-6859 or at www.facebook.com/dressforworkff
