Posts Tagged ‘downtown eastside’

Beauty Night Board Member Dave Dickson’s article about Cut off Supply of Kids is in today’s Province Newspaper. For those of you who wonder what we can do to help in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side, Dave shares his highly informed opinion.

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Let us introduce you to the founder and creator of the non-profit organization Knit Fit; Laura Mah.

She’s a spunky, down to earth and friendly girl who wants to do some good for this world. Laura began this organization in 2003 when she was only 11 at her Elementary School Chief Maquinna. Her inspiration to start up Knit Fit came mostly from her cousin Caroline MacGillivray, and her mom, Liza Mah. Caroline showed Laura the importance of giving back to the community through her own organization, Beauty Night. As Laura saw the expressions on the people’s faces after receiving gifts and services, she felt like it was her turn to make a difference. Liza works in a Dental Clinic in the Downtown Eastside and would always tell Laura how she wished she could do more for her clients. Both Caroline and Liza got Laura thinking about what she could do to give back to her community.   Laura talked with her teacher Ms. Lougheed about how she wanted to help the Downtown Eastside, but didn’t know how. Ms. Lougheed suggested that she should use her new skills (knitting), and teach it to others who could help alongside the Downtown Eastside.

The main reason Knit Fit was created was to give back to the Downtown Eastside. The people who live there are so close to us and are too often ignored. Since Knit Fit has been created, a difference has been made in the lives of the people who live in this community. Each winter, Knit Fit helps people be warmer.

When asked what you enjoy most about Knit Fit, Laura responded “The expression on the people’s face when they see the scarves, teaching kids how to knit, and the importance of giving back.”

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Beauty Night Programming Sept 28 2009 – Oct 4 2009

We have another week full of great activities.

• Tonight, September 28, we have our regular Beauty Night makeover session at the Lifeskills Centre. We are in need of hairdressers, if you are a hairdresser and have been wanting to come out, tonight is the perfect night!
  We are also having a volunteer orientation session tonight at 5:30 for those who are interested. If you’ve always wanted to know more about Beauty Night, and to see how you can help, we would love for you to come see what we’re about. The orientation will also be at the Life Skills Centre (412 E Cordova).
  Children’s Programming will also be occuring so that the mommies can fully relax while being pampered. Spread the word!
• Tuesday, September 29 – Stroller Disco! This is a super fun way for moms to get fit while bonding with their child.
• Wednesday, September 30 - Closed Board Meeting
• Thursday, October 1 - Womyn’s Gym Training
• Sunday, October 4 – Stocking Cutting Session – we are in need of people to help sew, cut stockings and knit scarves and more. If you’re interested in coming out, please email info@beautynight.org. If you click on this button, it will add the event into your google calendar for you!

We are still in need of fabric and wool for our stockign drive. If you are not able to help in that way, perhaps consider donating some funds to help our programming. Or your valuable time!

We love to hear feedback, what you would like to see featured on the blog, ideas you have for programs…even if you would like to suggest areas we could improve on, we always love to hear from you!

Happy Monday everyone!

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Thank you Caroline, for inviting me to volunteer with Beauty Night last night, “because dignity is beautiful”.

Those young men who also volunteered, cutting hair and giving neck massages to the downtrodden – wow what bella generous Spirits.

One young man (24 years old) who has worked on the DTES for 4 years now on the front lines, said that he previously thought like the majority, “the homeless were all assholes”, until he began his service and now his heart and eyes were open wide. … Read more

I woke a few hours ago with tears in my eyes. I’m so ashamed to be living here in affluent Vancouver where the Hearts of so many, Canadian, wo/men and children are on the street.

You are truly a miracle Caroline, w/ your 9 years of selfless service to the world family. I’m honour to serve and be an active participant in Beauty Night.

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Our first Girl Talk Session produced by Leila Pejman and Caroline MacGillivray was a huge success. Dave Dickson, Beauty Night Board Member and former Sex Trade Liasson for the Vancouver Police Department held the audience captive. His talk about the survival sex work, addiction, and addiction prompted questions from volunteers.

 

Audience feed back has been incredibly positive. Our next talk will be held this Thursday, June 25th, 2009.

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Starting on June 11th, Beauty Night Society will be launching Girl Talk. Hosted by Caroline MacGillivray (founder and president of Beauty Night Society), host of Sexy in Vancity Radio on 101.9FM, Girl Talk feature a guest every Thursday for an educational and exciting chat in front of an audience. Our first Girl Talk focuses on survival sex work in Vancouver’s DTES. Joining Caroline MacGillivray is Dave Dickson. Dickson was the sex trade liasson for the VPD and a Beauty Night Board Member. What is survival sex? How do women and men get into sex work? How does addiction play into the lives of many women who reside in Vancouver’s DTES? Who are the men who purchase sex from survival sex workers? Why? All this and more on Thursday, June 11th. Doors open at 6pm. Show starts at 6:30pm. Q & A to follow.

Date: Thursday, June 11th, 2009
Time: Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 6:30pm
Place: PHS Life Skills Centre 412 E Cordova
By donation (free for volunteers)
www.beautynight.org/blog

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What is Beauty Night?

 

Beauty Night Society is a volunteer based organization that offers marginalized women and youth makeovers and other wellness programs that will help them build their self-esteem and feelings of self worth.

 

Who are Beauty Night’s Clients?

 

Beauty Night Society serves hundreds of women and youth including those living on the streets, drug users, survival sex-trade workers and women with criminal records.  Many of our clients may have AIDS or Hep C. 

 

Most of Beauty Night’s clients have deal with physical or sexual abuse from an early age.  In fact 90% of women in the survival sex trade and/or in correctional facilities have experienced sexual abuse.

 

Many Beauty Night clients deal with homelessness, poverty, and isolation.  Other Beauty Night clients include young mothers, those living with mental illness, and the elderly.

 

What do you offer your clients?

 

We offer our clients support, friendship and programs to learn skills such as self-care and nutrition, fitness, goal setting, stress management, literacy, and interview preparation.  One of our most popular programs is Beauty Night where volunteer professionals offer women free hair cuts, manicures, massages and makeovers.  We also donate clothing and beauty products such as shampoo, skincare, and makeup.

 

Aren’t your clients more in need of essentials like health care, housing and jobs?

 

Beauty Night incorporates health care into our program. For example many of our volunteers who offer pedicures to our clients are nursing students who are checking for diabetes symptoms while applying nail polish.  Beauty Night partners with many agencies that offer more extensive health care, housing, job training, and shelter.

 

Of course makeup and clothes are not as important as necessities like a place to live or finding a job.  But they are still important contributors to helping women get off the street.

 

We at Beauty Night recognize that self-esteem is an important part of regaining control over one’s life.  A nice haircut and professional outfit can make a woman much more confident about applying for a job or starting a new class at school.  We also teach women how to look after their health through fitness and nutrition.

 

In addition, for many women on the street, human touch is associated with physical or sexual abuse.  Having their shoulders massaged or hair brushed by a caring volunteer are wonderful reminders of how healing touch can be.  Beauty Night strives to give its clients a rare moment of pleasure and pampering. 

 

Besides Makeovers, What else does Beauty Night Do?

 

Other Beauty Night programs include:

 

Literacy

Creative Endeavours

Fitness and Nutrition

Personal Development

 

Can I get a tax receipt?

 

Yes.  Beauty Night Society is a registered Canadian Charity.  We give tax receipts for  monietary donations over $10.

 

Where can I drop off donations of product?

 

Please contact info@beautynight.org.

 

What products does Beauty Night need?

• New make up
• Cotton pads
• New mascara wands
• Makeup applicators
• Nail files
• Yoga mats
• New Skin care products
• Small mirrors
• Brush cleaner
• Makeup remover
• Organic fruit and vegetables
• Herbal tea
• Nail polish remover

 

Where do Beauty Night events take place?

 

In Vancouver

Mon through Thursday we are at 412 E Cordova from 6:30 to 9pm. 

Toronto: Pending

Prince George: Pending

Victoria: Pending

 

 

 

 

 What does Beauty Night Need?

 $$$ for programming

New Product/ supplies

Volunteers

 

 Who is on Beauty Night’s Board?

 Caroline MacGillivray – Founder and President

Julia Saunders – Vice President

Rebecca Kerbel – Secretary

Bethany Tapp – Treasurer

Directors at Large:

Dave Dickson

Courtey Smith

 Gwen Webster

Bill Nevison

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Vancouverites, this is a great time to swap your old for new! Orb celebrates its birthday by holding a hoodie swap on April 4th! Beauty Night participants will be benefit from this exciting event!

Read more here from the Style Spy

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The Toni & Guy Anniversary show is getting buzz on one of the more popular blogs in town. Here’s what Hummingbird604 has to say about where to be next Thursday!

I’m really happy that Toni & Guy are supporting Beauty Night, as it is a really awesome charity! The event will take place at a Vancouver landmark – The Penthouse.

via Toni & Guy Fashion Event Feb 5th for Beauty Night | Hummingbird604.com.

Hope to see everyone there!!!!

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One of Vancouver’s most popular voices in the blogging community took a few minutes to interview Beauty Night Founder and President, Caroline MacGillivray.

http://www.miss604.com/2009/01/beauty-night-vancouver-an-interview-with-caroline.html

Thank you Miss 604.