$10,000 grant will help women dress for success

Dress for Success volunteer Kate Julian helps give women confidence. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Women heading back into the workforce after a long break and worried they have nothing to wear to a job interview are getting a boost of confidence from the team at Dress for Success.

The New Zealand branch of the international not-for-profit organisation - based in Auckland - has been granted $10,000 in the Auckland Airport 12 Days of Christmas giveaway.

The grant will go towards supporting 66 Kiwi women who are looking to get back into the workforce, by providing them with an outfit and accessories, including shoes and a handbag.

The women are referred on by various organisations including church and women's groups.

They have to have a job interview scheduled before receiving an outfit and can return to get separate items to make other outfits when they get a job.

Dress for Success executive director Libby Young said they were thrilled to receive the grant.

"It's just great news for us. We get all kinds of women who may need our help - from young mums who have been on the benefit to women who have been on a break for a while and wanting to get back into a job.

"Many of the women we see don't know what to wear or can't afford to buy anything to wear to an interview. That's where we come in."

Mrs Young said volunteers regularly commented on how a neat outfit had changed a woman's attitude.

"It's not just about the clothes. It really is about boosting their confidence.

"We have women who will walk in very shy and go out bouncing, with a huge smile on their face.

"It's very rewarding to be able to help someone see that confidence in themselves." Up to 13,000 New Zealand women have benefited from the work of the organisation over the years, she said.

Auckland Airport general manager of corporate affairs Charles Spillane said Dress for Success provided a service that touched many people and therefore it was fitting to include it as one of the winners this year.

Airport windfall
This Christmas, the Herald is again featuring charities which have been selected for a $10,000 donation from Auckland Airport. The $120,000 to be distributed came from change donated by travellers this year.