It’s no secret that in the real estate business, first impressions matter.
So Sydney and Southern Highlands-based real estate agency, DiJONES, found a natural connection with Dress for Success – a charity dedicated to helping vulnerable women create a solid first impression as they seek to re-enter the jobs market or take part in an important life event.
Relying on clothes donations and volunteer help, Dress for Success aims to empower women to achieve economic independence, offering free clothing, styling and presentation skills.
It also aims to provide a support network and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Clothes donated to Dress for Success end up in their Marrickville boutique in Sydney, where volunteers work with women to help them choose an interview outfit, while providing guidance and support.
DiJONES has added a series of donation points to assist the cause, with their offices in Paddington, Wahroonga, Beecroft, Bowral, Neutral Bay and Mosman all accepting suitable clothing.
Explaining their support for the charity, DiJONES noted studies show that women are far more likely to live in poverty than men, with older, unmarried and minority women at the highest risk.
Dress for Success’ clients have often been made redundant, have faced gender, age or racial discrimination in their job search or are dealing with a motherhood penalty after taking a career break to raise children.
Others are recovering from a health-care crisis, marriage breakdown or are the victims of domestic violence or inter-generational poverty.
Having the right clothes can make a big difference to both how they are perceived and how they perceive themselves.
“Working in real estate we know all too well the importance of presentation and a good first impression,” DiJONES general manager, Kylie Walsh said.
“These things matter when it comes to selling property, and the way our agents dress and present themselves to buyers and sellers is hugely important in creating a good first impression.
“Clothes also matter from an emotional and psychological point of view.
“When we have something nice to wear, we feel more confident, more prepared, and more able to take on the world.
“Something as simple as a nice outfit can give us a confidence boost, which makes all the difference when you’re going for a job or simply just trying to do a good day’s work.”
DiJONES has always had a philosophy of giving back to the local community, and said their donation drive to help Dress for Success is a new way for staff, their families and even clients to get involved on a very practical level.
“We have many women working across our eight DiJONES offices and I think we can all relate to the need to present well. At the same time, many of us have good clothes we simply don’t wear for one reason or another,” Ms Walsh said.
“If everyone donates just one work outfit then we will make a real difference and help women suffering financial hardship step back into the workforce.
DiJONES CEO Rob Ward noted agents often guided clients to declutter and give unwanted items away as they prepared to sell their property.
“It’s great to be able to refer our clients to this charity if they have quality, professional outfits they no longer need, and we hope that many women will benefit from the clothes we can give to Dress for Success through this initiative.”
DiJONES will also continue to support the Humour Foundation by raising funds for the ‘Clown Doctors’.
