Montreal Gazette

Looking and feeling good at Chez Doris

- SUSAN SCHWARTZ applause@ montrealga­zette. com

Chez Doris, a downtown Montreal day shelter for women in difficulty, hosted a recent makeover day and photo shoot for 10 women in collaborat­ion with 1 Photograph, an organizati­on that offers profession­al photograph­y and makeover services in a bid to give women the opportunit­y to present their best selves. 1 Photograph was founded by Eva Blue and Valérie Dubreuil.

Chez Doris helps women affected by a range of issues, including mental health troubles, poverty and homelessne­ss. The arts and crafts room was transforme­d into a spa lounge for women as they awaited their makeovers on Internatio­nal Women’s Day, March 8. A team of volunteers featured fashion stylists, hair stylists and makeup artists, many of whom work at Illusions Salon in Westmount.

“We are so appreciati­ve of the tal- ented profession­als who generously donated their Sunday to provide this activity and lift the spirits of these 10 women,” Chez Doris director Marina Boulos- Winton wrote to Applause. On April 1, Boulous-Winton, who had been interim executive director, becomes full- time executive director.

“Every woman deserves a little pampering and to feel attractive,” said Blue, a profession­al photograph­er. “We know we succeeded — by the smiles on the faces of the women of Chez Doris.”

Chez Doris is at 1430 Chomedey St. Visit www.chezdoris.ca.

The Batshaw Centres Foundation

will hold its fifth annual Cocktail Challenge on April 1, from 6 to 8: 30 p. m. at the Parisian Laundry, 3550 St- Antoine St. W. Mixologist­s from the Burgundy Lion, Tavern on the Square and Tuck Shop will prepare and serve cocktail creations using Domaine Pinnacle products Quartz Vodka, Ungava Gin and Chic Choc Spiced Rum. Guests will vote on their favourite drink and a winning cocktail will be chosen.

Tickets are $ 125 until Tuesday and $ 150 at the door. Guests under 35 pay $ 80, or $ 100 at the door. Profits go toward funding programs that benefit clients of the Batshaw Centres. To buy tickets, call 514- 989- 1885, ext. 1164, or go to bit. ly/ 18XQpSK.

Batshaw Youth and Family Centres provides services to children, youth and families in Montreal’s English- speaking and Jewish communitie­s who have experience­d situations of sexual or physical abuse, neglect, serious behaviour problems or delinquenc­y. Most children are helped in their own homes.

 ?? E VA B L U E ?? From left, Christine, Laura, Amber, Andrea and Ginette. All participat­e in programs at Chez Doris and each underwent a makeover in honour of Internatio­nal Women’s Day on March 8.
E VA B L U E From left, Christine, Laura, Amber, Andrea and Ginette. All participat­e in programs at Chez Doris and each underwent a makeover in honour of Internatio­nal Women’s Day on March 8.

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