Swapping handbags for facials

For many women, a handbag is a fairly basic daily accessory but for Dress for Success it’s hugely important when fitting a client for a job interview. Since launching in New Zealand in 1999, Dress for Success has assisted nearly 40,000 women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. This includes dressing them for an interview from top to bottom – handbag included. It works – up to 72% of their clients gain employment.

Last year, the Caci franchise partnered with Dress for Success to support their mission of helping women achieve economic independence and helping them back into the workforce. It was so successful that they have repeated the project this year.

'We invited customers throughout New Zealand to take a look in their wardrobe; find a new or gently used handbag, fill it with accessories, donate it and swap it for a Caci facial,' explains Melissa Soich, Caci Brand Activation Manager. 'In 2017 we received over 1,000 handbags over a two-week campaign – this year, in only seven days we’ve received over 700 handbags chock-full with accessories from scarfs, hosiery, jewellery, nail polish to make-up. The response was fantastic, and will help dress many more women for their job interview.'

Rosemari Daly, Operations Consultant, New Zealand and Australia Dress for Success, says, 'It’s the small things that can improve their confidence and thanks to the team at Caci and their clients all of these amazing handbags donated will make our clients smile and feel empowered for the road that lies ahead of them.'

'We’re so proud to support Dress for Success and their mission to empower women back into work,' says Melissa. 'Thank you to all who donated and helped a woman in need.'

According to the 2017 Franchising New Zealand survey, almost a quarter of all franchises in New Zealand contribute over $100,000 each to charities every year.

Some of the Caci clinics with their handbag donations

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