After many years of raising her child as a single mom and caring for her ailing parents and grandparents, Sabrina Walker was faced with the daunting task of returning to the workforce.
With only $11 to spare, the Ottawa woman bought herself a cheap outfit for an interview for a sales position. It was at a shopping mall shoe store. She researched the company, familiarized herself with its merchandise and prepared her resumé. Unfortunately, she was one of 50 or so people referred by Ontario Works to the job opening.
Dress for Success vice-chair and co-founder Joelle Hall with client Sabrina Walker and executive director Katherine Clarke-Nolan at the carnival-inspired Stepping Out gala.
“The manager, in her posh clothes, looked me up and down and laughed,” Walker told guests at a VIP reception for Stepping Out, an annual fundraiser for the non-profit organization Dress for Success. “She said, ‘Let me guess, you just want to continue to use the system’. I guess some people were merely applying to continue to receive their [financial assistance] cheques.
“I am uncertain if it was my lack of confidence or my attire that made her judge me so poorly but I can honestly say I was so hurt and discouraged,” said Walker, who was less interested in abusing the social welfare system and more keen on earning her own money.
“I was tired of figuring out how many days I would have to go without food so my son could get what he needed,” said Walker. “I wasn’t dreaming of Maseratis or yachts; I was just hoping to work, to be able to have three meals a day and the opportunity to give my son a better life.”
Dress for Success Ottawa was founded some six years ago by a group of volunteers wanting to change the lives of women struggling near the poverty line.
From left, Tiffany Smith with volunteer Lesleigh Smith at the carnival-inspired Stepping Out gala for Dress for Success, held at the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne on Thursday, June 16, 2016.
From left, Jen Zaret with Dorothy Stern, Lori Caplan, Sharon Appotive and Debi Zaret, co-founder of Dress for Success, at the non-profit organization’s annual Stepping Out gala.
Each year, it continues to provide a growing number of clients with professional attire and a network of support in its mission to empower women into the workforce.
Its gala, held Thursday at Lansdowne’s Horticulture Building, drew hundreds of partygoers for a carnival-inspired night of cocktails, food, live music and prizes.
Walker got referred to Dress for Success, which fitted her small frame with a pair of suits for her interviews. She also took part in a skill-building workshop and was handed some smart employment advice from female professionals. “It’s nice to see there are so many women who are willing to support other women,” she said.
Through the organization, Walker got suitable clothes and accessories for a temporary job that she landed. Her plan now is to return to school this fall to study digital communications.
“Dress for Success is more than just outfits,” said Walker. “It’s hope, support and a great place for encouraging personal, educational and employment success.”
From left, volunteers Arturo Calvo, Kay Richter and Carmen Crinjala at the carnival-inspired Stepping Out gala for Dress for Success.
Michelle Osborne, seen with York Street Spa senior stylist Assana McDonald, dropped into the free beauty bar during the Stepping Out gala.
From left, Dress for Success co-founder and former board member Visnja Zaborski Breton with current board member Kate Headley, director of strategic communications and marketing, at the Stepping Out gala.
From left, Bobbi Faulkner, Jennifer McGahan and Kelly Genier turned out to the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne on Thursday, June 16, 2016, to support Dress for Success.
From left, Jenny Noonan with Trie Donovan, Kerri-Lynn Pratt and Suzanne Stanton at the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne for the annual Stepping Out gala held Thursday, June 16, 2016, in support of the non-profit organization Dress for Success.
Carolyn001@sympatico.ca
