Have you ever had to prepare for an interview?  Did you choose a special outfit?   Have you ever had to purchase “office clothes”?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then you can appreciate the role of business attire at the interview stage and beyond.

The Suited for Success initiative was created by Federation CJA in order to ensure that every woman in the community be approriately prepared for job interviews and for the work environment.

How often do we clean out our closets and find clothing that is still in excellent condition yet no longer fits?

By donating gently-used business wear, each of us can help to outfit women who are desperately looking for work but cannot afford the cost of appropriate business attire for the interview and beyond.

I always think about the story of the fisherman who gives the ‘hungry man’ a fishing rod or net as opposed to giving him a fish to eat.  The idea, of course, being one of empowering the ‘hungry man’ to be self-reliant.  This initiative reminds me of that.

It’s about empowering women to succeed in the workplace.

Please open your hearts and your closets and contribute a gently-used business suit or other business-wear, preferably dry-cleaned.

To those of you who work in the apparel industry:  Please consider how you may help the initiative, even if by the donation of “seconds” that are actually perfectly wearable, presentable items.

To those who like to frequent local bazaars: When you see a great blouse or a fabulous suit for a ridiculously low price, consider how far your spend would go to help the woman who ends up with that suit if you purchased and donated it.  You’ll be supporting the organization holding the bazaar as well as empowering a woman to succeed in the workplace. 🙂

PLEASE SHARE this.  Whether via Facebook, Twitter talking about it at your book club, a family gathering or on the phone with a friend.  Help to spread the word, because we all know what happens if you tell 10 people, and they tell 10 people, and they tell 10 people…and if you can’t tell 10, then at least tell one.

There will be a one-day drop off on Sunday, December 11th from 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM at Federation CJA 1 Carré Cummings or at Federation CJA West Island, 96 Roger Pilon.

Volunteers will be waiting to greet you at the entrance of both buildings to collect your donated business attire.

For further information, please contact Lindsay Rothenberg at 514-345-2645.

We all have the power to empower, let’s see as many women as possible Suited for Success.

Wishing you a fantastic day,

Tanya