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Beauty Night Launches Monthly Programs in Burnaby

March 5, 2013 by

Team Beauty Night Members:
(back row) Courtney, Carol, Fiona (Front row) Mylen, Stephanie and Caroline at 1st monthly Beauty Night in Burnaby

February 28th we escaped from the rain and visited our friends at Elspeth House in Burnaby. Over tea and snacks, services such as hair cuts, foot care, skin care, nail care and relaxation massage were offered to our participants.

Our first monthly event in Burnaby started off slow. The participants came by to greet us. Yet it took a while to connect and build the level of comfort to have programming. By the end of the evening laughter, friendship and fun filled the room. The following day we received a beautiful email from one of our friends on staff:

Dear Caroline,

I wanted to give you and your wonderful volunteers a sincere THANK YOU from Elspeth House. The goodwill and positive energy that you brought to the women through your personal attention and kindness has facilitated a climate of kindness and respect that is evident today between the women. Thank you to you and your volunteers for modeling dignity, respect and compassion in action and passing this along to the women as a powerful tool that they can use in their interpersonal relationships.

I overheard some of the women telling you and your volunteers their personal stories and this is evidence that you were able to create a safe and trusting environment in a very short time that humanizes and validates women wherever they area in their personal history. Leadership has many definitions and leaders have many qualities, the best leaders are the ones that see what needs to be done, organize like minded people, roll up their sleeves and get the job done. These are the people that make a difference in peoples lives and you are one of those people.

The women have signed a thank you card (their idea) to you and your volunteers and I told them that I would send it off to you, could you send me your postal address?

Sincerely,

Marlene

 

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Walk Tall and With Confidence to Celebrate Dignity

December 12, 2012 by

Last Wednesday night, My Sisters Closet, a gem of a store filled with wonderful finds (This social enterprise that supports Battered Women’s Support Services) was packed. Pedestrians glanced through the windows to see what was causing the laughter and fun. Our volunteer stylists teamed up with their volunteers to help find 6 of our ladies something special to wear walking down the Runway during Celebration of Dignity Gala Fundraiser at Hive Vancouver (128 West Hastings Suite 210).

“I can’t remember the last time I got to pick something out in a store,” said one participant. On Saturday, December 15th, 10 of our participants will walk down the runway for an eco fashion show. Laughter, hugs, and posing for photographer, Ken Villeneuve peppered the conversation and the act of trying on clothes.

Last night several of our participants gathered in the wellness room at the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre. While Beauty Night activities commenced upstairs, our volunteer stylists Angela, Christine and Emily worked on walking. Participants ranged from 19 to 87 years of age, body types, and ethnicities proving that all of us are beautiful.

“We are so grateful with the support of My Sister’s Closet,” explains Beauty Night Founder, Caroline MacGillivray. “For an eco fashion show, it felt like a natural alignment. The monies raised from their social enterprise support the wonderful work that Battered Women’s Support Services offers. We are thrilled that each lady got to pick out 2 outfits in. It’s been a beautiful opportunity to work with My Sister’s Closet, Hive Vancouver and all of our amazing supporters who are making this event possible. I can’t wait to see each woman walk tall and with confidence on Saturday!”

Top 5 Tips of Walking with Confidence

1) Own your space.

2) Take your time.

3) Face Book Photos - take time to pose.

4) Breathe

5) If you fall, get up and keep walking

If you would like to come to Celebration of Dignity, you can purchase tickets right here.

* If you enter promo code bnsbffs, you will get 50% off your ticket

 

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Celebrate Dignity: 12 Years; 26, 000 makeovers Thanks to 500+ Volunteers

November 26, 2012 by

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

 

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DTES Builds Community in the Midst of Sadness

August 5, 2011 by

Beauty Night Volunteer Jessica Tarura-Wells holds giant card created by Teresa M, one of our participants

In the midst of sadness, I love how the DTES community comes together in love and support. Hoping for speedy recovery for our program coordinator Tiffany Telford who is in Kelowna General Hospital. Our volunteers and participants have created cards and letters to show their love for Tiffany.

 

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Carson Graham Students win $5000 for Beauty Night

May 27, 2011 by

It is with great pleasure that I write this post! Last night, the Carson Graham planning 10 students won $5000 for Beauty Night with their YPI (youth philanthropy initiative) presentation. Every year for planning 10, one of the projects is the Youth Philanthropy Initiative. Students chose a charity of their choice, research it, and do a presentation on behalf of the charity. The presentation selected wins $5000 to further their cause. We are thrilled that we were chosen!

This is the original video. Stay tuned for the one used for the final presentation! Huge thanks to Mersedeh Sagafi, Jasmine Price, Ryder Coker, and Terry-Dayne Marshall.

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6 Day Count Down Until Prince George!

December 8, 2009 by

t’s a six day count down before 2nd Xmas Beauty Night make over program in Prince George! Although the buzz is growing, we are still looking for volunteers and contributions for December 14th!

If you are unable to go, please continue to forward the message.

We need hairdressers, makeup artists, aestheticians, RMTs, volunteers to pick up contributions and much more. We are hoping that if we get enough volunteers and supplies, we might be able to increase the events to run 4 times per year!

Eventually if we develop the resources, it would be wonderful to be able to offer programming four nights per week. Based on what the women want, that would include womyn’s gym (one on one personal training), yoga classes, mom & tot nutrition classes, journaling, Kids club, personal development & inner beauty boot camp. Next year, it would be wonderful to be able to have the xmas stocking initiative & Knit Fit community building programs included with our Prince George activities.

In light of the 20 year anniversary of the Montreal Massacre on Sunday (December 6th, 2009) has prompted discussion around the country about what we can do to help women living with violence. Our makeover program is a great way to:

Reintroduce touch to victims of violence
Integrate women who are isolated into communities
Create opportunities for the participants to get involved
with the program.
Build community.

In BC alone, the Highway of Tears and the DTES Missing Women are a call for action. By working together, we can make a difference in the lives of many. When we make someone feel good, we give them hope. When you have hope you can do anything.

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCxO5debFEQ[/video]

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Kids + Adults = community

November 18, 2009 by

Last night I spoke with Knit Fit founder and program coordinator, Laura Mah. On Monday afternoon, Laura headed to White Rock Elementary to talk about how we can work together to make a difference in the lives of many. Ten year old, Katie Dalinghaus and her class spent the afternoon knitting scarves for Knit Fit. Several parents were on hand to help the kids knit the scarves that we will be handing out on December 14th and on Christmas Eve.

While she and Jenny Tran embarked on the process of wrapping 300 hand made scarves, I asked Laura to fill me in on how many people have been involved in the Knit Fit portion of our annual Xmas Stocking Drive.

This morning, Jenna sent the following update to post:

Knit Fit has been busy getting out the word for why Knit Fit was established. In the past 2 weeks, Knit Fit has already visited 3 different schools to teach students how to knit and show them the importance of giving back. So far, Knit Fit has met Lord Beaconsfield Elementary, Lord Strathcona Elementary, and Chief Maquinna Elementary.

At Lord Beaconsfield, Knit Fit spoke with 2 different classes, and again will be visiting Wednesday to teach the kids how to knit.
At Lord Strathcona, Knit Fit organized a club for students who were interested in knitting. These meeting are held each Monday at lunch. At these meeting students will come together and knit, while enjoying their lunches and having good conversation.

At Chief Maquinna, Knit Fit attended their Peace Concert held in respect for Remembrance Day. Here Knit Fit talked about the background of Knit Fit in front of the Maquinna neighbourhood community, while also sharing some personal stories of how Knit Fit has affected them.

When I did the math, I realized Knit Fit is actively involving hundreds of kids, youth, parents and teachers. When you combine those volunteer efforts with the volunteers that have been sewing and decorating the 600 Xmas stockings, we have a community effort that not only impacts the Beauty Night Society participants who receive the warm scarves and stockings, it also affects all of the people who contributed their time, energy, skills and money to make this project happen.

When I was interviewed by Telus Television last Monday, I was asked how many volunteers do we have and what the demographic of our volunteers are. I realized we have thousands of volunteers. Some who work directly with our participants. Others who constantly fundraise and create events to raise awareness and contributions so we can continue to provide tools for disenfranchised women and children to make positive life style choices and heal themselves and the community. Many who mentor the children in our community who teach them leadership and how they can impact someone’s life with their actions. The children and youth who believe if we give from our hearts, we can heal the world. When all of us work together, we change lives.

In regards to working together, it is important to recognize that we learn things from everyone. Through laughter and love, we can combine the leadership development and contributions to change the world. When women wrap the warm scarves around their neck or when their eyes light up as they open up the stocking decorated especially for them, I believe it does the human spirit a great deal of good.

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Wish List

November 2, 2009 by

In 9 years, the award-winning non-profit program has provided 10,000 makeovers to marginalized women and youth in Vancouver, Prince George, and Toronto. Beauty Night Society’s Monday makeover night on December 14th will include some North Pole notables—Mrs. Claus and her elves handing out Christmas stockings designed by Nancy Black. “This is the seventh year of our annual stocking drive,” says Caroline MacGillivray. “on December 14th, we will be handing out 600 Xmas stockings and 500 scarves in Toronto, Prince George and Vancouver.”

Typically, Beauty Night Society’s Monday makeover night at the PHS Life Skills Centre in Vancouver unites an impressive roster of Lower Mainland volunteers. Hairdressers, makeup artists, estheticians, massage therapists, plus many more volunteers join forces to offer services for the women.

Carrie Wheeler Talent Management, BC Hydro, and TD Canada Trust have been collecting donations of skin care, makeup, nail, dental, body, and hair care products to fill the stockings with. Other donations include gloves and toques. Beauty Night Knit Fit founder and program coordinator, Laura Mah have been offering knitting clinics to children in our communities. By knitting the community together, Beauty Night Knit Fit volunteers have knitted hundreds of scarves to hand out with the stockings.

Beauty Night Society Birthday party will also be making spirits bright for both volunteers and their makeover subjects with Christmas movies and other Xmas goodies. “This event is a tremendous community effort! Hundreds of volunteers have contributed thousands of hours to make this event special,”says MacGillivray, “Since the summer months, we have been cutting stockings and knitting scarves.”

The community has kicked in to help. Spearheaded by Beauty Night’s Stocking Coordinator, Blair Lockhart, designer, Nancy Black, Beauty Night Knit Fit’s Laura Mah and Product Coordinator, Revel Kunz, many more volunteers throughout the community have helped make this event a reality. Students at Chief Maquinna Elementary School, York House School, Churchill Secondary, Prince of Wales Secondary, Van Tech Secondary, Little Flower Academy, and many more helped sew the stockings and knit scarves. Canada Trust, Carrie Wheeler Talent Management, and BC Hydro have been collecting donations of skin care, makeup, nail, dental, body, and hair care products to fill the stockings with. Other donations include gloves and toques.

For more information about donating product, snacks or money, please contact Caroline MacGillivray at [email protected]. Media welcome. Beauty Night’s 7th annual stocking drive will be collecting new hair, nail, skincare, dental care, gloves and socks before December 1st.

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Xmas Stocking Drive

October 30, 2009 by

At Beauty Night, we have been thinking about Christmas since July! During the warm summer months, many a afternoon was spent in brain storm sessions with Laura Mah, Blair Lockhart, Nancy Black, Revel Kunz, Christie Gray and Tiffany Telford. The questions we kept asking were:

We have been doing the annual Xmas stocking drive for 8 years, what is working well?

What do we want to change?

How can we get more community members involved?

How do we get the message out?

How do we know if we meet the needs of the community?

What worked well was the dynamic community response to the Xmas Drive. Seniors, industry professionals, parents, children, youth and tweens wanted to contribute their time, energy, money and resources. Through word of mouth and positive media coverage this event has more volunteers wanting to get involved.

To increase word of mouth, Christie and I spent several afternoons with Knit Fit volunteers. Our training sessions included:

  • Social media training. How to use facebook, twitter and word press to share their stories of volunteering
  • Christie Gray created accounts for the volunteers who were interested in blogging. They have been contributing their stories on this blog about the Knit Fit and Stocking Drive.
  • Board member, Bill Nevison created a video of last year’s Xmas Stocking Drive celebration and posted it on You Tube. We encouraged the volunteers to use the video to show people what we do. People get 90% of their information from what they see and 10% from what they hear. Sometimes pictures work well - especially seeing the distribution of the stockings and scarves.
  • Public Speaking. I have heard that some people fear having to speak in front of people more than death. The volunteers prepared a speech about Knit Fit and Stocking Drive. Like monologues, we worked through the speeches. We worked on the key messaging, breath work, completing the thought and the writing. We work-shopped the speeches to make sure each speech felt like it sounded like the person who was delivering the speech.
  • Policy & Procedures. Together we discussed leadership techniques and guidelines for working with children and peers. We discussed how to create a safe and enjoyable space for volunteers to feel empowered and become actively engaged in the projects we are creating. Working together, we came up with some fantastic ideas and put them into motion.

What we are doing is working. Last weekend when Beauty Night Society volunteer, Denise Von Gorkum and I took several Beauty Night participants to the Models of Inspiration Filmathon, we ran into one of the parents of our Knit Fit volunteers. She thanked me for being a good role model for her daughters and their friends. She asked if we needed more volunteers for our Kids Club program. She offered to drive the girls who wished to volunteer to and from our location.

I am thrilled that people want to get more involved with the programming. This week we have been having meetings with volunteers and community members who want to offer other programs for our participants. Digital story telling, inner beauty boot camp, blogging, yoga classes and nutrition classes are some of the program options we are considering. While we continue to create opportunities for our participants, we keep the line of communication open with our participants and community partners. We want to make sure what we are offering is what the women want and that starts with asking for feed back.

Thanks to DJ Joe, our participant facilitator we have been able to ask for feed back from our participants. The general consensus is positive. Thanks to DJ’s constant queries, we are making some adjustments in our times and days for programming to make sure we are giving the women what they want.

The participants love the concept of joy and celebration. We have managed to include that in our regular programming. This past week’s programming included Beautilicious Halloween Celebration, Mom & Tot pumpkin carving sessions and pumpkin fitness classes. Through innovation and constant feedback, we continue to evolve our programming as we work together with our contributors, volunteers and participants.

As for our Xmas Activities, the women love the stockings and the Knit Fit scarves. What they would like to see is a way they can help with the planning. We have started inviting participants to our stocking cutting sessions. Although the participants have not attended these sessions, they seem to enjoy being asked.

Volunteers from York House School, Churchill Secondary, Kwatlan College - Fashion Design Program, Van Tech Secondary, Little Flower Academy, and individual sewers have stitched up stockings. Stocking Coordinator, Blair Lockhart has been collecting the sewn stockings and dropping them off to groups of children to decorate them. Sparks (5-7 year olds - before Brownies), Brownies and Girl Guides are getting together to decorate and in some cases fill the stockings.

Last year Revel Kunz opened up her home to the Rangers (one of groups of children who sewed and decorated stockings). The Rangers spent one Monday evening filling 130 stockings! By encouraging children and youth to get involved, I believe it helps them understand that we can impact someone’s life. When we work together, we can change the world.

I hope you enjoy the Halloween festivities. Stay tuned for our Xmas Wish List for our 8th Annual Xmas Stocking Drive.

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