Because Dignity is Beautiful
9 years ago, Caroline MacGillivray held the first Beauty Night at WISH Drop in Centre in Vancouver, BC. 14 volunteers took care of 73 women who attended the event. Many of the attendees live in poverty and experience violence. The opportunity to be in a safe space is something that is valued. The opportunity to be treated with dignity and respect made them feel good.
What started off as a special Christmas make over party, became a way to reintroduce touch to victims of violence. When attendees saw the physical change, they started to believe other types of change were possible. They attended literacy classes to show off their freshly painted nails, visited the health clinics to talk about how good they felt and walked out with an extra bounce in their step.
Working directly with the attendees, helped change the perception of many of our volunteers. One of our volunteers told us, “I go past these women every day on the bus but I don’t see them. Tonight I laughed and hugged so many of them. I can’t go back to not being able to see them.”
Last night we celebrated Beauty Night Society’s 9th birthday in Vancouver & Prince George. In Vancouver, the festivities started off with Christmas caroling. Volunteers, participants & their children sang Christmas tunes while creating Christmas cards. Thanks to accessing karaoke via youtube.com, we were able to get everyone singing and dancing.
Women and children gathered around the table with their children cutting and pasting ribbon to card stock. Womyn’s Gym coordinator, Tyla Flexman helped the women find stickers & pens as they sifted through the mountain of art supplies. Through words and art they found different ways to say thank you on paper. These cards were given to many of our volunteers.
Thanks to sponsorship through Liberty Wines & the the creative genius of Stacey Dallyn, the Beauty Night room was transformed into a winter wonderland. Wood land creatures sat under a White Christmas tree. Decorated in silver and gold, the words Beauty Night leapt out the fluffy snow that coated the walls.
Founding vice president of Beauty Night Society, Carly Teng was on hand as a roaming photographer. Carly captured pictures of the festivities of the evening. When our photography team was stuck in traffic, Carly stepped in and began to snap pictures of the women & Santa Claus.
Beauty Night board member, Dave Dickson’s eyes twinkled like St. Nick as women & children posed with him. Ten year old, Santa Helper, Katie Dalinghaus smiled pretty for the camera as she handed out the Nancy Black designed Xmas stockings to the women and children.
Stuffed to the brim with warm gloves, tooth brushes, dental care products, skin care, hair care, and body care products, the brightly coloured stockings Katie handed to the women. Like the first Beauty Night makeover event, the stockings contents came from stocking drive from individuals, churches, and businesses that wanted to contribute to Beauty Night’s 7th annual Xmas stocking drive. Led by Stocking Coordinator, Blair Lockhart, BC Hydro, TD Canada Trust, Ch2M Hill and Carrie Wheeler Talent Management and many more collected monies and products for us to fill those stockings.
Hundreds of high school students from York House, Little Flower Academy, Prince of Wales Mini School, Van Tech Secondary, Churchill Secondary School, Kwantlan College and many members of our community stitched the stockings. 5 – 7 year olds in sparks & brownie troupes decorated the stockings with their own personal flair.
Photographers Bruce & Sarah Culver set up the shots. Beauty Night volunteers & participants mugged for the camera. In the Beauty Night room, Tiffany Telford led the make over program. Carol Hogan, Ella Bak, Olivia Cammie, Meagan Stowe, Denise Van Gorkom, Margo Dalinghaus, and Amanda offered make up lessons, hair styling, manicures, mini massages and reiki.
Under the guidance of Kids Club coordinators, Alexa Fox and Sophia Hughes, women and children continued to create cards and occasionally break into a game of “jingle” tag.
While all the laughter- filled activity filled the room, Wendy Shuen and her volunteers bustled from room to room offering delectable goodies to the Beauty Night participants & volunteers. Almond cookies, fruit cake and mouth watering capicino chocolate biscuits satisfied our taste buds and our stomachs.
Throughout it all, DJ Joe, Tyla Flexman, Stacey Dallyn, Margo Dalinghaus, and Tiffany Telford bustled around making the event run smoothly.
Before the women headed out the door, Katie Dalinghaus gave them scarves created by Knit Fit Volunteers. Over 300 scarves were created by students from Elementary schools and High School students around the lower mainland. Spearheaded by Knit Fit founder & program coordinator, Laura Mah, hundreds of youth, seniors and children developed leadership skills and created scarves to keep people warm as they headed out into the snow.
In Prince George, our Beauty Night makeover event took place at Elizabeth Fry Society. Belly dance and self defense classes were held while women were offered make up application, hair styling, mini facials, manicures and much more.
Tonight – in Vancouver, we continue our celebrations at BC Women’s Hospital. Tiffany Telford, Ella Bak, Tyla Flexman, Caitlin Naylor and Lindsay McMillian will be handing out Xmas stockings and offering our makeover programming to the women in Fir Square.
As we head towards the end of the year, we have a few more events this week. In Toronto, the Xmas stockings & makeover program runs of December 17th – while Vancouver volunteers and contributors celebrate Beauty Night Society’s 9th Birthday on a Boat.
Beauty on the Boat enbarks at 7pm on December 17th. An evening on the sea with the music of Greg Cockerill and evening jaunt along the Vancouver coast. Tickets are $50 – proceeds to Beauty Night Society. For more information, please call 778-885-4526 or events@beautynight.org.
* For those who still have contributions to give, we are still handing out Xmas stockings and scarves on Xmas eve. Please contact us at info@beautynight.org.
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]
Start the holiday season off with a fun night that will make a difference in the lives of many! Dec 3rd has finally arrived! Tonight is a the night to come down, have fun and celebrate a great cause. It is definitely an action-packed evening… not to be missed… All I want for Xmas Fashion Show and Silent Auction at BarNone 1222 Hamilton Street.
We recommend you arrive early as it is a full house tonight. Doors open at 7:30pm and show starts at 8pm.
Tickets are $10 in advance at http://www.clubzone.com/events/Vancouver/172521/Beauty-Night-Dec-3rd or else $15 at the door.
Pin-up girl styled fashions by Nancy Black, performances by Luscious Dance. DJ Darren, DJ Chris and Maxwell Maxwell on the turn tables. Our emcees for the evening are Adrienne Lindsay & Sexy in Vancity Radio’s Caroline MacGillivray (also national executive director and founder of Beauty Night Society). Hair sponsored by Toni & Guy. Makeup by Tiffany Telford & Beauty Night makeup team.
Pictures with Santa, 50/50 draw, raffle tickets and of course our silent auction!
Marilyn Wilson, editor of www.vancouverfashionezine.com will be at the event selling copies of their anniversary print edition. Be sure to pick one up as they are $12 ($6 goes to Beauty Night!)
Call us at 604.992.4936 or info@beautynight.org if you have any questions.
We look forward to seeing you! The more monies raised the more women and children we can reach.
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Below is a list of some of our silent auction items for tonight:
(prepare to get all your Christmas shopping done early!) Don’t forget your cheque book!
‘The Secret’ Package
Learn to live within the law of attraction and change your life with these 2 hard cover books delving into daily teachings. Transform any weakness or suffering into strength and power. – value $50
BC Lions Signed Shirt
Support our local BC Lions with a t-shirt autographed by defensive lineback Alan Harper #99.
-Donated by Donnelly Hospitality Management Group – value $100
Armani’s Diamonds for Men
Time to try a luxurious cologne for your inner impetuous playboy, Emporio Armani’s Diamonds for Men has all the markings of an affluent, much-to-enjoy fragrance. – value $50
Bedo dress shirt
A man with a sense of style will impress everybody nearby. This large stripey blue and pink dress shirt is certainly no exception. Value -$70
Innan Herbal Remedies
Reveal your inner glow with this indulgent gift basket of treasures! Nurturing health and beauty with a mix of creams, massage oils, loofahs and bath sachets to pamper you to perfection.
-donated by Nancy Eagle – value $100
Memorex digital photo frame
Share your treasured images with family and friends on this 10” widescreen. With a wireless remote all you need to do is lift as finger! Enhanced with stereo speakers, your slideshows of favourite pictures will dance across the screen! – Value $150
Absolute Spa Group GC
Recognized with 45 awards for spa excellence, the Absolute Spa Group can pamper you with facials, body buffs, pedicures and spray tans. Finish of the year with a look primed for the holidays!
-donated by Donnelly Hospitality Management Group – Value $50
Dinner for two at Boneta Restaurant + liquids
Located in the heart of Gastown, Chef Jeremie Bastien of Boneta’s has taken the lead in the kitchen showcasing locally harvested products, while ‘2008 Sommelier of the Year’ Neil Ingram presides over an unpredictable wine list of hard to find vintages and small run labels. Boneta’s boasts an open kitchen, spectacular local art, and 20 foot mirrored ceilings. The atmosphere at Boneta is lively and social and waiting for you! – Value $150
Player Chophouse Gift Certificate #1
Known for ‘where the professionals come to play’ the Player Chophouse Restaurant and Lounge located opposite BC Place will tantalise your taste buds with cedar plank salmon or braised boneless short ribs. Value -$50
Player Chophouse Gift Certificate #2
Known for ‘where the professionals come to play’ the Player Chophouse Restaurant and Lounge located opposite BC Place will tantalise your taste buds with cedar plank salmon or braised boneless short ribs. Value -$50
Touchdown Glassware
Celebrate the game with 4 X 4oz cordial or vodka glasses plus 4 X 16oz pilsner glasses. All football fans will want to show off their passion with this unique style, so impress your friends and will the game into a winner! – Value $100
Two tickets to the “An evening at Sea with Greg Cockerill” #1
Greg Cockerill is a hard working Calgary songwriter known best as a roots folk rocker with with a jazz background. Get an additional bonus of a CD and rock into 2010 supporting Canadian artists -Value $120
Two tickets to the “An evening at Sea with Greg Cockerill” #2
Greg Cockerill is a hard working Calgary songwriter known best as a roots folk rocker with with a jazz background. Get an additional bonus of a CD and rock into 2010 supporting Canadian artists -Value $120
Vichy Gift bag
Be an enviro bag handler with this canvas gift bag filled with volume pumping shampoo, sunblock and thermal spa water -Value $ 120
Nan Wardrop leg warmers
There’s nothing quite like style that has been hand crafted. These pearl coloured hand knitted leg warmers are the trend of the season – value $45
[Blank] denim jeans
Word on the street is that these Holt Renfrew graffiti style jeans will form your booty into perfection – value $300
Ross den Otter Art piece
Ross den Otter is a Port Alberni born artist that has focused on photography, mixed media, small scale sculpting and photographic printmaking for over 25 years. A natural collaborator, he has worked with many of Vancouver’s fine art and commercial photographers. His photographic works have appeared in publications across North America – Value $ 300 (start bid at $100)
Peacock Earrings – by Lori Cerus
Shimmering green and blue peacock feather earrings are the fashion statement to make any outfit ‘to die for’ – Value $30
Feather pendant – by Lori Cerus
Silver necklace accentuated by a stripey shell, orange gemstone and multi toned feather – Value $45
Picnic Bag and wine
Why not start planning for a summer escape with this picnic backpack filled with plates, glasses and cutlery? Topped off with a bottle of white and winter is almost over! -donated by Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang – Value $120
Granville Room $25 #1
Be a part of Vancouver’s entertainment district at the Granville Room. Try out some quality crafted cocktails and the boutique dining menu. The rich, dark interior is accented with jaded hipster artwork and a well-appointed bar. – Value $25
Granville Room Gift Certificate #2
Be a part of Vancouver’s entertainment district at the Granville Room. Try out some quality crafted cocktails and the boutique dining menu. The rich, dark interior is accented with jaded hipster artwork and a well-appointed bar.- Value $25
Donnelly Hospitality Management Gift Certificate #1
See the nightclubs of Vancouver through Donnelly Hospitality Management. Celebrate in Republic, The Modern, Pop Opera and our own treasure here, Bar None. Alternatively, tour the pubs! The Calling, Library Square, Lamplighter, Metropole and Smileys – Value $50
Donnelly Hospitality Management Gift Certificate #2
See the nightclubs of Vancouver through Donnelly Hospitality Management. Celebrate in Republic, The Modern, Pop Opera and our own treasure here, Bar None. Alternatively, tour the pubs! The Calling, Library Square, Lamplighter, Metropole and Smileys – Value $50
DHM Alcohol Gift basket
Gray Monk Merlot, Stolichnaya vodka, Blasted Church Rose…just a few beverages to keep you warm over the holidays!
-Donated by Donnelly Hospitality Management Group – $100
Reflexology Gift Basket
Reflexology is an alternative medicine method involving the practice of massaging or applying pressure to parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health.- $65
Santa lap dance lessons for 10!!!
Sexyinvancity.com is offering a lap dance “Santa baby lap dance workshop” For you and 9 of your friends for an hour and a half in the comfortable of your own home. Do you wanting to spice up your work out with the most sexy moves? Bring out your inner naughty! Value – $350
Under One Sky DVD
Be inspired by 200 women martial artists from the Film Board of Canada. The film reveals the deeply personal and emotional challenges women face to achieve confidence and spiritual development. – value $25
Boysco Gift Certificate
Known as trendsetter in mens clothing for the last 25 years, Boysco will ensure you stay on top of the times – value $100
Rosedale on Robson Gift certificate
One complimentary accommodation for two in a one bedroom standard suite-be in the center of Vancouver as you enjoy a night on the town – Value $200
The Century Restaurant
Bringing latin ingredients to a contemporary French table, the Century restaurant is located on Richards street, just steps from Gastown – Value $100
Jolie Mack Jewellery necklace
“Stone’s Throw” is a coveted necklace from Jolie Mack Designs’ Signature Collection. Brilliant in a rich amethyst shade, the Swarovski crystals glitter on a Sterling silver chain. Whether it’s worn with jeans or your little black dress, “Stone’s Throw” is the perfect piece to finish any style. – Value $ 80
Toni and Guy Gift Baskets X2
Amazing Womens Workshop weekend
Bid on free tuition to the next Amazing Womens Workshop. www.libertyforsuccess.com provides the space and tools to create personal and relationship success with ease. Value – $375.
Little Wish Photography Services Two hour Photo Session
~Pre-session phone consultation to arrange the perfect location, styling choices, date & time
~Up to three hours on-location custom photo session
~Advanced post processing techniques
~Professional Photo-touch ups
~An email with a password to your own Gallery of images to view and choose favorites at http://www.littlewishphoto.com
~24 favourite keepsake prints (of your choice) in 4 x 6 Kolo leather album
~A CD of all images taken during the Photo Shoot
Value – $350.00
