It is the 25th anniversary of Dress for Success Auckland and we spoke to its Executive Manager, Robyn Moore about the work of this incredible charity organisation and why it’s so important for women and our community.
Tell us about Dress for Success…
Dress for Success is a not-for-profit organisation with the vision for all women to have an equal opportunity to gain employment, be strong role models and contribute to thriving communities.
We assist anyone who identifies as a woman at her point of need – through all manner of support, from helping with appropriate clothing for interviews and work, CVs, one-on-one career coaching and job interviews, to clothing for court appearances and housing appointments. We also offer wrap-around career support programmes to help women retain their employment and advance in their careers.
How many women has Dress for Success Auckland helped over the last quarter century?
Since we opened 25 years ago the charity has served more than 24,500 Kiwi women through our work readiness, hardship and resilience programmes and the provision of professional attire and development tools.
Why is this work so important?
Getting, and keeping a job can be challenging, especially in this current climate. Research shows that dressing professionally can help us make a better first impression, enhance credibility, increase confidence and self-esteem, and better position us for career advancement opportunities. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to professional attire or the means to purchase it. We aim to help women overcome this obstacle by providing work attire that has been donated to us by the community.
https://www.businessinsider.com/dressing-for-success-actually-works-2016-2
What services can your clients benefit from?
When clients are referred to us they have a one-on-one consultation with a trained volunteer stylist providing a complete interview outfit, make-up, jewellery, styling and valuable confidence-boosting and job ready tips.
Then they will gain access to programmes and resources that will enhance their job-seeking activities and opportunities via our Career Centre.
How can people donate clothing to Dress for Success Auckland?
We have two Auckland showrooms where people can donate clothes and where our clients come for fittings – one in Grafton and one in Manukau. These are managed by our wonderful staff along with volunteers who help our clients select outfits for their interviews and first weeks at work.
How important are volunteers for Dress for Success Auckland?
Essential! We have 89 active volunteers who dedicate many hours in various roles such as stylists, sorters, Career Centre coaches, sales personnel, caterers and transportation. It would not have been possible to come this far without the support of our amazing network of people. We are so grateful for them.
Do you receive any other support?
Funding and in-kind support from partners and sponsors make up a significant part of our revenue stream. We receive some fantastic corporate support from brands like Vanish, who is also the platinum sponsor of our 25th Anniversary Gala event. And of course, generous donations from the community – we can’t thank them enough.
What is DFSA doing to celebrate its exceptional 25-year milestone?
We are hosting an exciting evening of fashion and empowerment in Auckland on Saturday, 22nd June. The event will showcase fashion through the ages, including an Empower Her Exhibition – sharing true stories, key events, and the diverse styles that have shaped Dress for Success Auckland’s journey over the past 25 years. A Designer Runway Show will follow, curated by stylist and Dress for Success Fashion Ambassador Sarah Stuart, showcasing alumni designs modeled by former clients, as well as an Auction for Empowerment to help raise funds for our work.
Event Details
What: DfSA 25-year Anniversary Gala
When: Saturday 22 June, 6pm – 9.30pm
Where: AUT University – WG Building, Mayoral Dr, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Tickets: $95 plus booking fee
To purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite
