It can be the change someone who is struggling to turn their life around needs.
Opportunities for Employment (OFE), along with Moores Clothing for Men, is once again participating in a suit drive, asking people to donate gently-used professional attire.
A suit not only gives people applying for jobs a sense of pride and dignity, but professional clothing can also mean a higher chance of employment, according to OFE Executive Director Shawn Mahoney.
“Newcomers and refugees who have nothing more than the clothes on their back and they have to enter into this daunting task of finding employment,” Mahoney said. “You can only imagine what it can feel like sitting in a pair of jeans and maybe a t-shirt, wondering if you’re good enough.”
OFE sees about 3,000 people every year and place around 2,500 of them in meaningful work.
“It could be somebody that’s going for their next best job … somebody who’s been employed for 30 years that’s never looked for a job … and the world has changed,” Mahoney said.
“When the time comes for that interview, being dressed appropriately makes such a huge difference.”
This year marks the ninth year OFE is part of Moores’ initiative, which includes more than 60 other Canadian organizations.
Here’s how people can get involved this July:
- Bring gently used professional attire to any Moores store.
- The items will be donated to nonprofit organizations. such as OFE.
- The donations will be given to men and women who need interview and business clothing to re-enter the workforce.
“It’s life-absolutely-changing, to get off of social assistance, if you’re a welfare receipt, to be a newcomer or refugee whose trying to be a productive member of society, a job is key to that,” Mahoney said, adding “the generosity of Winnipeg residents is outstanding.”
Those who may want help can find free employment services offered at OFE at 294 Portage Ave. in Winnipeg. There is a room full of suits for people to choose from there.
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