Happy International Women’s Day.
In Canada, this year’s theme is “Strength in Every Story”. So, since we are all about supporting women and youth, we thought we’d make this newsletter all about sharing our stories. Let’s begin with the story of why we brought TenThirtyFive to Grey/Bruce.
The TenThirtyFive Grey/Bruce Story
I think being quiet and still during the pandemic, gave me eyes to see the most vulnerable in our community. As soon as I was introduced to TenThirtyFive, I knew it was so needed in our rural area. And I wasn't the only one who saw it. It wasn’t long before I was companioned by caring family, business people and amazing volunteers. We all knew that this was the time to be part of building hope for our youth and women. Reading stats in the news like "One-in-six Canadians are routinely unable to afford new clothes" simply confirmed it. (AngusReid: What does poverty look like in Canada?)
To provide simple resources like clothing can help youth feel confident enough to go to school. To help women feel beautiful in their clothes, just as they are, is a small stepping stone in their healing journey. To support youth of any gender and love them as they choose to be is life-giving to all involved.
Celebrating Women on International Women's Day
Board Director Spotlight
Let me introduce you to Barbara Dirckx. Barbara has been in real estate for over 18 years. She is a Broker with RE/MAX Grey Bruce Realty, Inc., in Lion’s Head. She has served on the local real estate board (Realtors Association of Grey Bruce Owen Sound) since 2016 as a board director. She was the president in 2020 and in 2022. Barbara also serves on her church Board of Governors where she has been the secretary and is currently serving as Chair. She has been a member of Bethel Church for twenty years.
Barbara supports Habitat for Humanity, sponsors missionaries, local charities, like the Skate Club, Rotary and us, just to name a few.
Let me introduce you to a few amazing members of our Wild Women Volunteer Army.
Lee is an active volunteer here and at Mission Thrift Store. Lee has a heart for the mission field and has supported families and communities across the world. Lee lends TenThirtyFive Grey/Bruce her admin skills by scheduling our volunteers and helping us planning fund raising events.
Sher is the official TenThirtyFive Grey/Bruce Den Mother. She stays in contact with many members of our volunteer team, she often feeds us and cares deeply for our team, customers and recipients.
Sam is the official decorating genius of the TenThirtyFive Grey/Bruce upscale boutique. Many of our recipients and customers have found out that her eye for style is second to none. When Sam is not in the boutique, she is out in the community rounding up donations and telling everyone she meets about our mission. I think we can safely say she’s a true TenThirtyFive Grey/Bruce Ambassador.
In Her Words
“Your little handwritten note and the gift bags filled with make up and body stuff made me feel so special…seen…known. Thank you.”
Prom Pop Ups have been set for the first week in April. After our pop-ups, all remaining gowns and suits will be displayed in our TenThirtyFive Grey/Bruce upscale thrift boutique for 2 weeks - so any youth in our community can access this formal apparel free of charge for Prom or Grade 8 Grad. If you have any men’s or women’s formal wear you wish to donate, we are accepting these donations at TenThirtyFive Grey/Bruce until the end of March.
The first TenThirtyFive Grey/Bruce Fashion Show
This year our TenThirtyFive Grey/Bruce Fashion Show Fundraiser will be hosted on Sunday June 1st, 2025 at the Hepworth Legion and begins at 1:00pm. Tickets are on sale now via our website: www.tenthirtyfivegb.com. They make a lovely Easter or Mother’s Day gift. If you'd like to sponsor our show, we'll likely hug you, jump up and down and squeal with delight ... basically ...we'd be very happy for your support.
Fashion Show Program Seminar
As part of our mentorship/skills development program, we invite recipients and volunteers to be part of our show, from planning to presentation. In preparation, we offer each of them the opportunity to attend our Fashion Show Program Seminar. This seminar is offered free of charge to our entire Fashion Show Team. A date, time and venue for the seminar will be announced early April.
Comments