Donate business clothing to NC’s Dress to Impress clothing giveaway before Jan. 22
You only have one shot to make a first impression, and Career Services staff members are helping students ensure it will be a positive one before they meet with potential employers.
For the third consecutive year, they are rolling up their sleeves to collect donations of business clothing and accessories to help students ‘dress to impress’ potential employers.
From suits and tied to skirts and blouses, from blazers and collared shirts to pants and dresses – and don’t forget shoes, purses and jewellery – all sizes of gently-used business attire are wanted prior to January 22 in preparation for the College’s Dress to Impress clothing and accessories giveaway.
Dress to Impress was launched by Career Services in 2017 to give NC students the opportunity to pick up professional attire free of charge, to wear for job interviews and for meeting with employers. Staff members, who work directly with employers and know first-hand what they are looking for, help students select an outfit and provide tips on how to make the best professional impression.
The clothing giveaway will be held at both campuses in late January, prior to the College’s Career Fair in early February which will bring employers on campus to recruit students for co-op, seasonal and full-time positions.
Marsha Fiorino, co-op career consultant and employer support, Career Services, is collecting donations at the NOTL Campus (W115), while Monique Morin, career consultant, Career Services, is collecting donations at the Welland Campus ( SE 101).
They noted that the clothing giveaway event aims to help alleviate the financial challenge for students that can come with investing in professional attire to wear to job interviews or networking opportunities. It also helps to relieve anxiety students can experience about wondering how to best present themselves when meeting with employers. Over the past 10 years, she has heard from employers about how students have missed out on job opportunities because of how they presented themselves at the interview. She has also heard from students about how stressful procuring a job interview outfit can be – including stories about students “sharing suits.”
With Dress to Impress, students benefit from being able to pick out clothing free of charge, without the financial pressure of having to purchase attire, as well as from receiving advice and feedback from Career Services staff members about how to best present themselves. Having an appropriate outfit not only helps score points with employers, but it can also boost a student’s self-confidence.
“I’ve seen students at the event in tears. They just can’t believe that we are giving them the clothes for free,” said Fiorino. “Many students are struggling financially, many have left their jobs to pursue their education, and really appreciate the help they receive through this event.”‘
The event has racked up support among College employees and the public in recent years. For example, Niagara-on-the-Lake-based charity Newark Neighbours donated several bags of clothing during the summer after hearing about the initiative.
“We would like to thank everyone who has so generously donated since, without them, the event would not be possible,” said Fiorino.
Have clothing donations to drop off?
Drop off donations at the Welland Campus in SE 101 (Monique Morin), or at the NOTL Campus in W115 (Marsha Fiorino) before Jan. 22.
Make sure the clothing is laundered and free of pet hair and odour. Clothing may be donated in bags/boxes or on hangers (for those who have hangers to donate).
Dress to Impress free clothing and accessory giveaway
NOTL Campus: January 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., SAC Activity Room
Welland Campus: January 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Applied Health Institute foyer
January is Career Month at NC! Dress to Impress is one of many student-focused events and initiatives which aim to help students prepare to meet with employers and land a job – including resume clinics, speed interviewing sessions, professional headshot photo shoots, and more. Visit www.niagaracollege.ca/careermonth/
