If you have spent lockdown editing your wardrobe, there's a great place for your clothes to go. Dress for Success will give your clothing a second life, while empowering women to achieve economic independence.

The organisation has been running in NZ for over 20 years, providing women with the support and the tools they need to gain employment and financial independence so they can provide for their families and make a positive contribution.

Local business owner Tania Rupapera is taking collections now to be delivered to the Northland branch of Dress for Success next week. Tania owns Unity Collections, an online designer recycled fashion boutique. Her values in life and in her business are simple: empowering women and inspiring confidence through fashion. 

These values align perfectly with those of Dress for Success, so it was a match made in heaven. “It’s a good balance with selling preloved designer brands through my online shop www.unitycollection.co.nz (opening online this week) and donating suitable garments to DFS to support our wāhine and Northland community”.

“Looking good for an interview contributes to feeling good about it. It’s a nerve-racking experience and feeling good about personal presentation helps with confidence and first impressions. I believe DFS supports that”.

Tania will be delivering her first lot of donations this Friday, and she intends to deliver regularly after that.

“I’ve chosen the Northland branch as I whakapapa to Ngati Kahu Iwi and the Whangarei branch supports women from Wellsford to the far north. It feels like a good fit for me, Unity and the community”.

“After lockdown, it became evident that people had time and were having a spring clean; they had garments to part with. Locals are dropping off great quality, suitable garments at my home.

“I already have a large suitcase and four shopping bags for DFS. Great community support, I love Matakana!”.

If you are wanting to donate, leave a comment here, and Tania will let you know how to go about it. 

If you haven't got anything to donate, but you would still like to support the organisation, check out their weekly online designer sale here. Pre -loved designer clothing for a fraction of the price, whilst empowering wāhine; it’s a win-win.