Dress for Success Vancouver Celebrates 20 years and Over 32,000 Women Served

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 26, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In 1999 Dress for Success Vancouver (DFSV) opened its doors in the St Francis Church on Main Street. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the organization was the first international Dress for Success affiliate outside of the United States. They supported women re-entering the workforce by providing interview outfits and later that first year, coaching and mentorship through their Professional Women’s Group Program.

Over the last 20 years, more than 32,000 women have gone through the DFSV programs. This not-for-profit has supported itself through generous donors, various fundraisers and two major annual events. The Success Luncheon began in 2013 celebrating the success of an outstanding client and the IMPACT 360 event began in 2000, celebrating DFSV supporters and donors.

“Dress for Success Vancouver allowed me to believe in myself. The coaching I received made me focus on my goals and realize what I’m capable of,” shares Mercy Campbell, one of DFSV’s first Professional Women’s Group clients. “The outfit I initially received was important but the coaching, mentorship and friendship is what lasts forever, it changes a person. They give you confidence and tell you, you can do it and I’ve done it.”

“Dress for Success Vancouver has touched so many people across Greater Vancouver,” shares Dress for Success Vancouver Executive director, Jennifer Halinda. “I’m so proud of the work we have done and the impact we’ve made on the lives of so many women. The last 20 years have been truly inspiring and I have no doubt in the next 20 the organization will continue to play a formative role in the empowerment of local women.”

This week, Dress for Success Vancouver begins celebrations of their 20-year anniversary by launching their special 20-year anniversary logo, designed by longtime volunteer Connie Chang of Type C Consulting. Tickets are also now on sale for the annual IMPACT 360 Fundraiser, which takes place Wednesday May 8^th at Regency Lexus in Vancouver. The event will bring together clients and DFSV supporters from the ages, celebrating the journey the organization has been on.

About Dress for Success Vancouver
Dress for Success Vancouver (DFSV) is proud to celebrate 20 years in 2019, established in 1999 as the first International affiliate. The organization is a registered charity committed to empowering women into the workforce by providing professional attire, career development tools and a career advancement program. An affiliate of the International organization Dress for Success, DFSV has served over 32,000 women in the Lower Mainland. For more info visit: https://vancouver.dressforsuccess.org/