Because Dignity is Beautiful
Huge thanks to CKNW, CBC First Edition, CBC News and West Ender for capturing our 11 year anniversary celebration yesterday. Here are some of the links to the coverage:
CKNW: Lives getting better by Cosmetics?
CBC: Downtown Eastside Women Treated to Makeovers
CBC: Early Edition Full Show December 19th
Noon hours spent training new volunteers
who will come out on Monday to give Xmas cheer.
Students from Langara College
got training in “trauma awareness” knowledge.
Headed home to change into my suit
red velvet and white cuffs to boot.
A Santa hat adorned my head
Jeannie joined me in matching red.
Car stuffed with stockings we embarked
to the shelter to play the part.
Santa’s helpers, arms stuffed with stockings
so many boxes we had difficulty walking.
Women were delighted
We all felt excited.
Hugs came from all around
Hope and dignity a bound.
One moment touched me most
A woman haunted by violent ghosts
who never let anyone touch her
was so moved by the stocking she stirred.
Once then twice
she hugged me and Jeannie – oh so nice.
Eyes full of tears
She said we made her year.
Moments like that are
why we do the work
that we do.
Because we believe
hope, love and touch
can change lives so very much.
11 years ago yesterday,
our first Beauty Night was held.
At Wish Drop In Centre
73 participants thanks to 14 volunteers.
Hair, make up, nails, and massage
snacks, gift bags and laughter
filled the room
as we hustled and bustled.
Charlie Brown Christmas played
on the TV
Volunteers and Participants
danced the “Peanuts” dance.
Such fun we had
Everyone seemed so glad.
Participants made thank you cards
for volunteers and swung
by the nurses at health service
to show off hair cuts and painted nails
staying to get a check up.
There was so much love
we had to do it again and again.
11 years flew by
and 16 000 makeovers – oh my.
Thanks to 500 volunteers
Beauty Night has changed gears
wellness, life skills development and makeovers
to bring a hope, trust, dignity abundance takeover.
Last night dressed as elves,
we dropped by Wish, Serena’s place and Woodwards.
With gift bags and stockings
we handed out door to door.
My thought’s from the end of last night:
“Sad tales heard tonight
In some cases Xmas stockings
Brought great delight.
Joy to all of the women we saw tonight
Dealing with homelessness,
… Addiction, mental ill health
Poverty, violence and strife.
Glad we were able to share
A little Xmas delight.”
Happy 11 years to all of our supporters, participants, volunteers and corporate and community partners! Thanks for making it possible for 11 years, 16 000 makeovers!
A team of reindeer journeyed
to Maxx Wright House in Surrey.
Arms full of stuffed stockings they ran
into a room full of women in the lower mainland.
Students from White Rock Elementary School
these “reindeer” were
Who decorated hundreds of stockings
with ribbon, bows & “fur”.
Seeing the stockings from decorating stage
to handing out stuffed stockings to the women gave
these mighty reindeer such joy
as they handed out stocking after stocking full oh boy.
12 year old girls learning the gift of the give
changes the flavour of Christmas into the days we live.
365 days a year kindness we can offer
and help all of us prosper.
With love and abundance comes hope.
Warm emotion fills us to the point we choke
back tears of joy
as we realize change is a choice for you & I.
Gearing up for the new year
Girls and women were full of hope
Changing the world hand in hand.
Expanding our programs to Surrey is part of our plan.
Happy Birthday Beauty Night!!!
11 years, 16 000 makeovers thanks to 500 volunteers!
