On December 15th, 2000 (12 years ago), the first Beauty Night was held at WISH Drop in Centre in Vancouver’s DTES. A local actress and writer, Caroline MacGillivray started volunteering at WISH in the summer of 2000. She was researching a role for an upcoming film. One night, a woman came in who had had a bad day. She did not want to eat, speak or assistance with housing, bad date sheet or shelter for the night – she wanted to “feel clean.” After having a shower, the woman picked up a curling iron that had been donated to the centre. She was unable to bring her arms up to curl her hair. Caroline offered to do this for her. With simple kindness, friendship was born. The woman left walking taller and seemed to have an extra bounce in her step. After repeated requests for makeovers from other women, Caroline proposed a “beauty night”.
The organization has grown from it’s first Beauty Night (14 volunteers and served 73 women) to offer programs 4 nights a week (serving 200 each week). Thanks to 500+ volunteers, Beauty Night has given over 26, 000 makeovers in 12 years. The three streams of programming focus on wellness, life skills development and makeovers. The joy, friendship and laughter connects the community together.
When MacGillivray asked the women how they would like to celebrate Beauty Night’s 12th anniversary, many said they would like to support the organization that has had a positive impact on their lives. They wanted to have a fashion show. When the Hive Vancouver contacted MacGillivray to support this cause, she was delighted. “The Hive Vancouver wanted to bring the community together by holding an event to support our cause. When the possibility of a fashion show was mentioned, I was thrilled. It seemed like a great fit.”
On Saturday December 15th, Beauty Night celebrates it’s 12 year anniversary at the Celebrate Dignity Gala at the Hive Vancouver. Hosted by Jessica Holmes Canadian motivational speaker and comedian (Royal Canadian Air Farce) this eco fashion show will feature 10 of our Beauty Night ladies. We are excited to have 2013 Miss World Canada Finalist Kristiana Banden will be one of our speakers. Sponsored by Hive Vancouver, Lonsdale Event Rentals, MCNG Marketing, Pizzazz Modeling (Dale), Coleseum Medi Spa, and PiDGin Restaurant.
Tickets are $99. Event includes entertainment, fashion show, comedy, desert, raffle, silent auction and much more. To purchase tickets, please visit here. * For Beauty Night Supporters, you can get 50% off with this promo code bnsbffs
