#GivingShoesDay – Dress for Success

December 2, 2014 is
#GivingShoesDay
CLIMBING THE LADDER OF SUCCESS WITH DRESS FOR SUCCESS!
DROP OFF YOUR GENTLY USED PROFESSIONAL SHOES, FLATS and BOOTS AT DURAND’S DURING NOVEMBER AND ENTER TO WIN A $500 DURAND’S GIFT CERTIFICATE.
255 2nd Ave South – Saskatoon
Phone (306) 933-3336

The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the independence of economically disadvantaged women by providing work-appropriate attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

#GivingTuesday will be #GivingShoesDay in Saskatoon on Tuesday, December 2 with a Dress for Success (DFS) promotion encouraging women to donate their gently used professional shoes to help disadvantaged women entering the workforce. Shoes can be dropped off throughout November at Durand’s where the collection is anticipated to grow to mountainous proportions. In the spirit of giving, donors can enter to win a $500 store gift certificate from Durand’s with the draw taking place in-store on December 2.

#GivingTuesday, now a global phenomenon, started in 2012 in the US as a day for gifting to chosen charities after the flurry of shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Last year on #GivingShoesDay, American DFS affiliates collected over 1,700 pairs of shoes for clients. This year, the top 10 shoe donors globally will be rewarded with a pair of ruby red “Raegan” heels designed by Fergie Footwear.

Disadvantaged women entering or re-entering the workforce after career training are referred to the entirely volunteer-run DFS Saskatoon as clients through agencies such as the YWCA, Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre and Gabriel Dumont Institute. At an interview suiting, the client is given a morale and confidence boost by her ‘boutique experience’ where volunteers provide her with advice and service as she tries on various pieces and selects a complete interview outfit.

Once employment is secured, the client can return to select a week’s wardrobe of up to 30 pieces that will carry her through her first weeks of work. She’ll be invited to join the Professional Women’s Group which provides speakers and networking opportunities, covering topics such as personal financial management, work/life balance and workplace etiquette. All services are provided to clients free of charge.