Community support has been overwhelming according to officials with a local charity which was targeted by thieves earlier this month.
Dress for Success was broken into on Nov. 6th with most of its stock being taken. A clothing drive was held this past Saturday and agency officials say they are blown away by the show of support.
“We are so blessed. We had a lot of people bring in some incredible clothing and it was really mind blowing. It’s wonderful,” said Dagmar Hargreaves, founder of the Central Alberta chapter, which is located in the lower level of 4917 – 48th St. “We are so blessed to live in a community that is as generous as Red Deer. We truly are. We want to thank everybody for their generosity.”
Dress for Success is a not-for-profit organization that offers services for women who require clothing to return to work. Their mission statement says its purpose is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
The charity was broken into and raided earlier this month. Thieves gained access through the back door of the facility. Many items from the boutique were stolen including shoes, clothes, nearly all of the jewelry on site, purses, cosmetics and more.
“I feel violated. It hurts my heart,” said Hargreaves, after the theft took place. “We are a not-for-profit who is trying to help women move on in their lives, and then someone does this?
“I just feel so sad that someone would target a charity.”
Hargreaves said the amount of donations that came in last weekend will help the charity re-establish and be able to begin fittings again.
“We are in need of ongoing donations but this will be able to help us move forward and open the doors again to be able to accommodate those ladies that require clothing to get into the next chapter of their lives.”
Meanwhile, Hargreaves said she will reach out to agencies later this week to resume fittings.
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
