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Linda at the 20th Anniversary of the Clothes Closet
What initially drew you to volunteer for The Clothes Closet/Dress for Success, and how has your role evolved over time?
My sister was one of a group who started “The Clothes closet”, she won the “Local Hero Award” from the Royal Bank. I was asked to attend the luncheon where she received the award. It was there that I learned all about this great group of people and the wonderful things it could contribute to help people. I got involved and my sister moved on in her career.
My role has changed as I became more involved in the process of getting ready for the sale and organizing the wonderful volunteers to set a schedule so everyone knows what they are being asked to do at the work parties and the sale.
Can you share a particularly rewarding experience you've had while volunteering with us?
One experience that stands out was when I was working with clients one evening. A very young girl came in and looked like she had only the clothes on her back. We got her to try on beautiful clothes in lovely colours, not just the dark ones she had taken from the rack. The smile that emerged on her face as she walked out with her bags of clothes was magical. Although I don’t often work with clients, we have a wonderful group of people who have way for style then I will ever had, it truly is spectacular to see happy people leave the building.
Photo by Anna Kozhukalo
Linda Instructing sale volunteers November 2023. Photo by Anna Kozhukalo
In your opinion, what makes our organization unique compared to other volunteer opportunities you've been involved with?
The people. They are truly what makes Dress for Success the organization that it is. Every person I have met right from the start have only had the best interests of the clients, volunteers and staff. All of the Executive Directors and Boards who have supported this program and listened to the volunteers to make the program a huge success. In the beginning we did not have the sales, we did not have the Friends and Family Sale, we did not encourage the volunteers to look at the clothing after a work party and we certainly didn’t encourage the volunteers to buy the clothing. These are really great things for volunteers who support the program. It encourages them to continue to be involved.
Are you proud of what the program has turned into and achieved?
I am very proud to be part of Dress for Success. Although I was so sorry to see our blue flower shirts leave when we became part of Dress for Success. I guess I will get used to the red shirts. Oh I have had lots of great experiences volunteering with first “The Closet” and now “Dress for Success”. It is always great to come back to do the sales and catch up with everyone. I have made many friendships over the years and truly hope to continue to volunteer as long as I am needed.
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