Dressing for success
First Impressions, a non-profit organization that helps women in need of clothing, footwear and accessories, has a new location in Charlottetown
When clients of Karrie MacDougall first walk into her store, they often have their heads hanging down.
But they always leave with their heads held up high.
MacDougall is the founder of First Impressions, a non-profit organization that provides women in need with quality clothing, footwear and accessories — at no cost.
MacDougall says she finds it gratifying watching her clients leave with a sense of pride and a smile on their face.
“If you look good, you feel good… It’s just unreal what clothing will do,” said MacDougall in an interview with The Guardian.
MacDougall, a youth worker, recently moved First Impressions from Brackley Point Road to a new location at Hillsborough Hospital on Deacon Grove Lane in Charlottetown.
It is now in partnership with mental health and addictions and is staffed with seven volunteers.
The official grand opening was Dec. 4.
MacDougall opened First Impressions in 2015 following the death of her long-time friend, Susie Coyle Warren.
“She was such a big helper of women and support of women,” said MacDougall.
Warren was a legal aid lawyer and had a closet full of really nice clothes.
“She was a lover of clothes and accessories,” said MacDougall adding that her friend had about 137 pairs of shoes.
Instead of donating the clothes to a thrift store, MacDougall decided to do something meaningful — help local women in need to dress for success with nice, gently used, free clothing.
MacDougall said she is “very selective” in the clothing that is displayed at the store because “they deserve the best of the best”.
When MacDougall first opened the store, it was to provide clothing for women looking to go for job interviews, back to work or school.
But since then, she has widened it to include a variety of low-income situations.
“It had a bigger need,” said MacDougall. “As long as they are trying to better themselves, we will help them out.”
MacDougall said they also donate clothes to schools, nursing homes and the Hillsborough Hospital.
They also sell the clothes to those who can afford it. Each item is $5 with 50 per cent of the proceeds going to mental health and addictions.
MacDougall says she grew up in poverty and wants to do everything she can to help others in need.
MacDougall said they’ve helped about 60 women since inception and about seven women since opening the new location Dec. 4.
For more information, visit First Impressions Facebook page.