I have an incurable habit of storing “stuff”. Clothes, in particular.
For over 5 years, an entire rack of corporate suits hung in my wardrobe collecting dust.
While my Mama days no longer has a use for them, it would be corporate fashion faux pas to simply dump them.
In my defence as an insatiable hoarder, these suits are BEAUTIFUL.
Classically tailored and expensive.
No longer being able to ignore the growing, nagging feeling urging me to get rid of them, I thought the new year would be perfect timing.
After all, it would be another step in my quest to work on the small things that matter.
Last week I finally packed the suits and called Fitted For Work – a volunteer driven organisation with a mission to assist women experiencing disadvantage.
There are clients who may be suffering a lack of self-esteem and confidence or for whatever reason, going through a particularly tough time but want to become self-efficient and financially independent.
Fitted For Work has a boutique supplied with donated corporate clothes that their clients can use for job interviews and to help them with the kick start their ambitions to enter the work force.
Along side clothing donations, Fitted For Work is always looking for ex or present corporate professionals, especially women, who are willing to be mentors or help a client with job interview and corporate styling tips.
I walked into their Parramatta office with 2 big garbage bags of clothes, had a meeting with two staff members, Liz and Dawn who filled me in on the boutique but also how busy they are with training programs for the clients.
Almost an hour later, I left with the promise to commit my time as a volunteer at the boutique and to also be a mentor for the Transition to Work Program.
Cannot tell you how long it’s been since I’ve felt such excitement after a meeting.
And hey, my beloved suits found the perfect home.
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What a fantastic cause Grace and well done for lending your time to it!
JodY At Six Little Hearts recently posted..Inverloch Victoria and A Weekend Link-Up
That’s absolutely brilliant!! Congrats on your new ‘job’! What a wonderful cause (and such a great way to recycle older – but still awesome – suits! What a good deed!! 🙂
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile recently posted..Muesli Balls – Fabulous Foodie Fridays #34
What a fantastic organisation! I bet you didn’t feel sad about the suits leaving your wardrobe for long after visiting that office. Super great you’ve volunteered! It sounds really rewarding x
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad recently posted..The Tassie Mummy Escape
Such a beautiful organization! Thank you for introducing us to them. I have some business clothes that are too big for me now and this sounds like a great place to donate them!
Andrea @ The Pineapple Cake recently posted..2015 Goals and Predictions
What a truly brilliant thing to do! I thought you were great for donating those beautiful suits to start with (instead of trying to sell them) then you took it even further, found a worthy cause and donated yourself. Well done!
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages recently posted..Friday Favourite: Bake Play Smile
Those suits will definitely be appreciated by the women. A similar run organisation in QLD does the same thing called Dress for Success. Such a great opportunity to help women getting into the workforce. You have a gorgeous heart Grace. Xx
Bec @ The Plumbette recently posted..How far along in pregnancy should you stop working as a plumber? (or any other trade)
Good on you Grace! We had a clothing drive at my work a couple of years ago. We should get another one going.
Bec @ HoP recently posted..‘Parents these days’ are judged too harshly
I’ve donated to them in the past- a wonderful initiative! Good on you for getting involved!
Amy recently posted..On What Feminism Means…
What a lovely thing to do – I’m sure you are going to give so much, and get real satisfaction out of the mentoring and volunteering – all your corporate experience channelled where it can help. And I’t must feel quite cathartic – another step in your transition away from corporate life.
Kathy recently posted..More or less
Oh Grace this sounds absolutely perfect for you! I know I would love to be mentored by the likes of you. (If that was the area I was interested in.) Good on you for doing it.
EssentiallyJess recently posted..Back To School Shopping: A Nerd’s Boxing Day
That’s such a great programme – and good for you for volunteering. I can’t bear to throw clothes in those bins (good clothes), where they end up as rags – It’s so great if they can be used again – we waste so much.
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..“It’s a strange world of language in which skating on thin ice can get you into hot water.” -Franklin P. Jones
So pleased to hear that you are working for such an amazing organisation Grace. They are brilliant. Good for you for giving up your time to help those less fortunate. That’s on my “Things To Do” list this year. x
Neets recently posted..Why Doing a Challenge is Better Than Dieting
Mama Grace that is just excellent! I am so pleased that your suits went to a good, worwhile home. I’ve heard about this place but I didn’t know what it was called. Two weeks ago I advertised something for free and when the person came to pick it up I also offered her another two things. She gave me a hug and a kiss and told me that she believes in karma and good things are coming my way. Giving, in any capacity that helps another person is a wonderful thing to do. You’re beautiful. X
Robo recently posted..The Prettiest Mum at the School
I have never heard of this organisation before but they are providing a much needed service to women who want to stand on their own two feet. I have a number of ex-work clothes too that have been sitting in my wardrobe since I left work in September. When the time comes for me to part with them (I may still need them yet 🙁 ) I will definitely donate them to a similar organisation. BTW, the mentoring gig sounds perfect for you – I’d be interested in hearing more on that in the future!
Kirsty @ My Home Truths recently posted..I Must Confess…I got me some bargains!
What a fantastic initiative. I too am a clothes hoarder. I know where I can donate some of my work clothing now 🙂 Thanks for sharing this with us.
Kaz @ Melting Moments recently posted..Weekly Wrap Up: Disconnect to Reconnect. Digital Detox – Can I do it?
Whom ever receives your lovely suits will look stunning and definitely be fit for work.
Carolyn
Desire Empire recently posted..Prosciutto, Tomato and Feta Pies with Basil and Zucchini Christmas 2014
Aww you big softie! What a fabulous thing to do – I wonder if they have something similar here as I have lots of lovely work outfits that I will NEVER fit in to again. So when are you jumping on a plane to come play with me?
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me recently posted..This one’s for you dear reader!
What a great idea, Grace! Much better than leaving your stuff in the clothing bin (like I’ve been doing) and never knowing if it’ll be used again.
Tat recently posted..Happily unplugged and going places: Australian National Maritime Museum
What a beautiful, generous thing you did just there lovely Grace and how wonderful to leave with a new found excitement and skip in your step – a just reward for your generosity! 🙂 xo
Min@WriteoftheMiddle recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: A few moments with a surfer dude!
What a great cause. I tried to sell some old suit jackets recently but people want to negotiate so much that it’s not worth my time and I’d rather donate them to someone who needs them than argue over $5 here and there.
Vanessa recently posted..Who Would Be On Your Dream Team?
It sounds like an amazing cause and it’s so good of you to get involved, not just by donating clothes but by mentoring one of their clients. Look forward to hearing more about your work with this organisation as they sound like they are really giving something back to the community.
Erika @ Ever-changing Life of a Mum recently posted..Recipe: Chicken, bacon and mushroom risotto
I love wearing suits! Makes me feel like a powerhouse haha.. I think this is a very good initiative because everyone knows how important first impressions are in an interview and without a decent suit (for most corporate industries anyway), you probably won’t make it. And decent suits can be pretty expensive!
You’ll make a great mentor too I’m sure 🙂
Ai Sakura recently posted..Snakehead Fish for Wound-Healing
What a cool charity! I’m a clothes hoarder too. I donated a few bags a couple of months ago but I really need to accept I wont fit into my pre baby wardrobe and just donate a heap more.
Toni @ Finding Myself Young recently posted..52 WEEKS OF MEMORIES | 2 – HAPPY
I totally know what you mean about hoarding clothes — I’m bad at that too. I went through a cull last year and looks like I have some more to cull this month before the partner moves in. Fitted to work is a great idea — while I don’t have much corporate wear, I might still have professional clothes I could donate. Thanks for the info Grace.
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life recently posted..Lessons learnt from the Overland Track
What a great idea for a charity. I volunteer – it gives you the ultimate high – enjoy it.
I’ve been meaning to give them all of my old work clothes for ages….I’m going to get my butt into gear and do it ASAP.
Grace, this is such a beautiful way of spreading the good stuff! Good on you, people will not only benefit from your generosity, but also your experience. Wonderful!! xx
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen recently posted..You Can
What an awesome cause! Good on you for supporting it.
Tegan recently posted..Emotional Memories
Fabulous on so many levels Grace – you’ll be great, but also what a great cause!!!
Deb
Deborah recently posted..On accepting, but not giving up
Wow! What an awesome thing to do with old work clothes. I have gradually passing mine onto my corporate sister, but I think I would have preferred to pass them onto someone who was more needy if I knew there was something similar in my area. It’s also good that your suits get used before they become too outdated. All the best with helping other women out.
Caitlin recently posted..2014 In Review
What a fantastic idea! I have never heard of this charity until now. Way to get involved Grace. They will be blessed to have you!
Peachy Keen Mumma – Jess recently posted..Breast Feeding Gone Wrong
Love this idea! Great post and a great initiative. Congrats x
Tonia Zemek recently posted..40 Days of 40 (Day 18)
Sounds awesome, Grace! You will be a fantastic mentor!!!
Kylie Purtell – A Study in Contradictions recently posted..Welcome to the New Year! Linky Lovin’ Friday {16th January 2015} // Reading
What a great idea! I am in a similar boat, still have some lovely “office wear” but as I now work from home most of it hasn’t been touched in over 2 years. I’m still not quite ready to part with it yet though which is probably silly … you never know when you might need to pull out a power suit LOL.
Janet aka Middle Aged Mama recently posted..Smoking Vs Farting: both anti-social habits
Yay you! I love how you really are giving something back, in every sense of the word. I bet your clothes and your role as a mentor are going to change people’s lives!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted..10 Things to do in Chicago
What a fantastic organisation. I wish I knew they were around when I got rid of my corporate attire. I do have one suit left though and will likely never wear it again (it probably doesn’t fit) so I will definitely keep this in mind!
Eva @ The Multitasking Mummy recently posted..How I’m Working on Balance and Less Overwhelm
Love it. Good on you for getting involved. I too have kept the suits, despite tastes changing since then. (Oh, and figure. That too.) Will have to investigate similar near me. I’ve had a MASSIVE wardrobe cull over the last few months and have donated eight nappy boxes of clothes to Vinnies, but still have the suits. Was holding on to them for some reason but will pass them on if I can find something like this. x
Emily recently posted..The Ugly Duckling – Justine Clarke/Nathaniel Eckstrom/Frank Loesser (book review)
What a wonderful thing! Thanks for letting us know about them. I have so many gorgeous suits that I’ll never be skinny enough to wear again. I’d love to donate them!
Aleney @ BoyEatsWorld recently posted..Sydney’s best ice cream
oh your heart is so full Grace, and flows over to others. How incredible that Fitted for Work was able to take your suits and you were able to volunteer your time. Just beautiful, like you are xxxx
Lisa Wood recently posted..Macadamia Castle
What a great initiative. I must see if there is an organisation in Perth that does the same thing. I have a few outfits that would suit and no longer fit.
I had my first job interview in twenty years this week. Thankfully it really was more like a meet and greet and I ended up having a lot of fun. Not sure I’m the right demographic for the position but will have to wait and see.
Raych aka Mystery Case recently posted..Comment on 100 words to sell yourself by Mystery Case
I love these organisations, I once gave them about 15 of my hoarded handbags. Although ours was called “working wonders” but it’s the same concept. Such a great cause., And so lovely knowing your suits are going to someone who needs and deserves to look fabulous.