Good Day Ravishing Readers!
Every fashionista knows that the perfect outfit can make you feel fantastic! But what if you couldn’t afford something nice to wear for a job interview, or to go to school, or to go to the prom? All across the GTA, there are thousands and thousands of people who struggle every day with issues of poverty, abuse, lack of employment and these challenges are compounded with the fact that they don’t have access to the basic necessities of life. At ANTM Live, it is important to us to support a worthwhile cause while giving visitors a fantastic weekend of beauty, fashion and shopping. For our inaugural show we are thrilled to announce Windfall Basics as our Official Charity Partner!
I recently sat down with Windfall’s executive director, Helen Harakas, to talk about Windfall, the services they offer and their relationship with ANTM Live.
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| Windfall Executive Director, Helen Harakas |
How did Windfall start?
Windfall was started by Ina Andre and Joan Clayton, the two women who founded Second Harvest, a charitable food program that provides food to local social service agencies. One day when they were dropping off donations, they realized that many of the clients they served did not have access to new clothing. Many of the donations they received were old and damaged items and not wearable. The two philanthropic and energetic women knew that they had to do something to help and in 1991, they delivered their first bag of new clothing and consequently incorporated Windfall as a charity in 1992. Today, Windfall provides over $28 million worth of brand-new items to those in need.
What programs do you have?
Windfall Basics provides clothing and basic-needs items to those in need. We source goods from manufacturers, retailers and distributers. Where most of this merchandise would have gone to landfills, we are redirecting these new items to clients in women’s shelters, job training programs, centers for immigrants, men’s shelters, group homes and new mother programs. We also provide on-site job-training placements and workshops for hundreds of people annually.
How has Windfall changed people’s lives?
If people do not have their basic needs met, it is very hard for them to move forward in their lives. Without such essentials as a warm jacket, shoes, weather-appropriate clothing or even a backpack, it is challenging for anyone to be able to establish themselves and feel confident enough to accomplish their goals. Windfall’s services help people to improve their self-esteem and ensure that they do not have to worry about the things that some of us take for granted. It is amazing to see the reactions of people receiving these new items when all they have ever worn is old and ragged clothing.
Tell us about your partnership with ANTM Live.
Windfall’s Programs have recently become financially sustainable as we were approved for on-going funding by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. We are fortunate to have great donors and now our goal is to grow the programs and make sure that our model expands across other communities within the next few years.
We love utilizing the avenue of America’s Next Top Model Live to let the public, our clients and potential donors know who we are and what we do. We are so excited to align with a great brand like ANTM and see a terrific fit from a fashion perspective. We are thrilled to be selected as the charity of choice and can’t wait to be able to share Windfall’s great work with the visitors to the show. We are particularly looking forward to bringing out dresses and gowns from our new social purpose enterprise store, Windfall Brides so young women can purchase brand-new designer wedding gowns, cocktail dresses and evening wear at amazing discounted prices! All proceeds go toward sustaining Windfall’s programs. And the pieces we have are simply gorgeous! Come and see us at ANTM Live!
Thank you to Helen for taking the time to speak with us! In meeting the incredible team at Windfall, not only do we see the effectiveness of the services they provide to over 100 local charities, but their organization is run by fabulous fashionistas with big hearts! Look out for news about the Windfall Celebrity Date Auction and get ready to bid for a date with your favourite star at ANTM Live!
Until Next Time My Glamazons!
Cecilia J
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