Helping Rotorua women dress for success

When most people pick up a flyer for a good cause, they quickly forget about it.
Kim Pears started her own branch of the international organisation Dress for Success.
"I had never heard of the organisation when I picked up a pamphlet at the Body Shop. It seemed such a good idea and such a simple concept."
Dress for Success provides free interview clothing for women who have been out of the workforce and follows up with another less formal work outfit when a client lands a job.
"Confidence is everything. If you feel you look good, that confidence comes across."
Dress for Success clients are referred by agencies involved in helping people return to work after having a family, being made redundant, retraining or being out of work for a long period.
"Buying a good outfit is quite a lot of money for people not in work - especially when there is no guarantee you will get the job and you have other priorities such as your kids."
After reading the pamphlet, Pears contacted the closest branch in Hamilton to see how she could help and was inspired to start a local Dress for Success.
Two weeks ago, her application was approved and now Pears is looking to bring other people on board to make it happen.
She needs volunteers to work with clients and contacts to find premises and fittings and to source donations of clothing and other items.
"I'm trying to pull together a team of people with different areas of expertise such as fundraising, communications and working with referral agencies."
She said the response from Work and Income and the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce Return 2 Work programme had already been very positive.
While success rates are not recorded statistically, Dress for Success New Zealand and Australia regional director Sue Lewis-O'Halloran told The Daily Post anecdotal evidence showed 60 per cent of women using the service found jobs.
"There is a need in Rotorua, where there are a lot of younger people and a strong Maori population. If we can help them get employment, the whole community benefits."
Dress for Success' Professional Women's Group provides a support network for women who have found employment to improve job retention and help build on workplace confidence.
"They can share experiences and every month we bring in a professional to help in some area - from financial literacy to keeping a work/life balance.
"It sounds a bit cheesy, but we really do transform women's lives."
She said the change volunteers see in women between their pre-interview and post-interview visits was incredible.
"Many of these women felt they had no hope, no money and no support.
"Nobody encouraged them to be the best they could be and they really blossom when they get that."
Body Shop Rotorua assistant manager Claire Breadmore was thrilled to hear her store had played a role in this.
The Body Shop runs regular in-store campaigns to raise awareness of less well-known organisations.
It will also be helping out with make-up workshops for clients once Rotorua's branch is up and running.
Anybody able to support Dress for Success Rotorua through volunteering their time and expertise or donating items should contact Kim Pears at rotorua@dressforsuccess.org.