NEWS RELEASE
DRESS FOR SUCCESS ORILLIA AND BARRIE
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When 13-year-old Lily Webb thought about the task of completing her community service hours, she knew it would be tough during these unprecedented times. Luckily she has a love for creating jewelry, and turned that love in to a good deed.
“I have always enjoyed crafting and when I was thinking about how to complete my community service hours during a pandemic, I looked at how I could combine my passion for creating jewelry and helping in the community,” says Lily.
Lily found the organization Dress for Success online and got to work on jewelry creations that clients at Dress for Success Orillia and Barrie could wear to job interviews, new jobs and placements/co-ops.
“I thought it would be a really good fit. I worked all summer creating earrings and bracelets.”
Dress for Success Orillia and Barrie helps women achieve economic independence through their three programs: the Suiting program, which gives women free clothing and accessories for jobs and job interviews; the Breakfast Club program, a nine-week pre-employment program designed to help give women the support and skills they need to find meaningful employment; and the Professional Women’s Group, a monthly program for clients who have gained employment and may need inspiration and support to navigate and thrive in a new workplace.
Executive director of Dress for Success Orillia and Barrie, Linda Reid says the organization really appreciates the thoughtful donation.
“We are very grateful to Lily for designing and making the jewelry that she donated to Dress for Success. Our clients really appreciate receiving such a thoughtful one of a kind piece of jewelry to go with their interview outfits. It really boosts their confidence.”
Amidst the impact of a pandemic that has been dubbed a “she-cession”, with women’s participation in the workforce at its lowest in three decades, Lily’s contribution to Dress for Success Orillia and Barrie is especially meaningful. The jewelry will be available for free to the organization’s clients, all of whom are seeking employment or employed in precarious work.
“I was able to create a wide variety of jewelry that was designed for a working woman,” says Lily.
Lily’s mother Dawn Stephens proudly posted on Twitter, “So proud of my girl who was bound and determined to complete her community service hours this summer. She was able to take her love of crafting and create over 150 pieces of jewelry to donate to Dress for Success Orillia and Barrie.”
A friend responded to the Tweet that she wasn’t surprised at what Lily had done, “She’s got such a big heart.”
To stay updated on Dress for Success Orillia and Barrie’s news and programs, visit their website, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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