Imagine re-entering the workforce after some time off or just arriving in Canada. Now imagine having nothing professional to wear for your job interview or for your first week of work, with your resources already stretched to the limit. This scenario is when Dress for Success Saskatoon is able to support local women and, in turn, their families.

The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help thrive in work and in life. The organization was originally founded in New York City in 1996 and now has affiliates around the world.

“Dress for Success Saskatoon is here to remove a barrier to economic success for over 120 women in our community each year. Each of these women have a unique story of the obstacles they have overcome. We are proud to play a part in their journey to secure meaningful employment, provide for their family and contribute to our community,” said Christine Magneson, chair of the Dress for Success Saskatoon board.

At the heart of the organization’s support is suiting. Once a client schedules a job interview, she can obtain a referral to visit the Dress for Success boutique. Volunteer suitors work with the client to help her choose an interview outfit and accessories, as well as provide guidance and support for her upcoming interview. When the client secures a job, she can return to the boutique for an employment suiting. During this suiting, she receives a week’s worth of clothing and accessories (typically at least 20 items). There is no cost to the client for these services.

Dress for Success Saskatoon is entirely volunteer-run. Suiting clients, organizing the large inventory of women’s clothing, liaising with referral agencies and fundraising are all done by volunteers.

Clothing and accessories are donated by other women and stores within the Saskatoon community. For women going through their wardrobes, clean and gently used clothing can be donated at one of two Conexus Credit Union locations during business hours (the locations are at 2119 Eighth St. East and at 703 Circle Dr. East). A variety of clothing and shoe sizes are always appreciated.

Nutrien Ensemble 2020 is an elegant annual gala and the primary fundraising event for Dress for Success Saskatoon. Proceeds from Ensemble allow the organization to serve clients by funding its operational budget and maintaining its facility at 215-103rd St. East in the city’s Sutherland district.

Each March, Ensemble takes place close to International Women’s Day, which is held annually on March 8. In 2020, Enemble will be held on Thursday, March 5, in the evening at The Barn at Wind’s Edge. Food and cocktails from several of the city’s top restaurants will be served, including Calories, Hearth Restaurant and Odd Couple. This year’s entertainment will feature fashion stylist Kate Matthews, with local community leaders as models.

Tickets for Nutrien Ensemble 2020 are $150 each and are available by emailing saskatoon@dressforsuccess.org or through Eventbrite (Nutrien Ensemble 2020). (Elizabeth Ireland is a freelance writer and a volunteer with Dress for Success Saskatoon.)

-Elizabeth Ireland