Halfway Through 2025 — And What a Journey It’s Been! | |
Dear Making Changes Community,
As we reach the halfway point of 2025, we’re reflecting on an inspiring first six months filled with meaningful connections, incredible achievements, and life-changing transformations across all our programs. Thanks to you — our clients, supporters, volunteers, donors, and partners — we’ve helped hundreds of women and teen girls in Calgary move closer to their goals with confidence, dignity, and community.
Stay up to date on upcoming events and news on our website and social media channels (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook).
Here’s a snapshot of what your support made possible — and a look at what’s coming next:
| | |
Women in Technology (WIT)
Training. Connection. Transformation
WIT continues to empower women to launch successful careers in tech — with the support of dedicated volunteers, industry partners, and inspiring mentors.
| | Thanks to the WIT Advisory Committee for their dedication and guidance throughout the program. | | | |
Applications for Fall are now open!
Discover how this program can jumpstart your career in tech.
| | | |
From January to May 2025, the Dress for Success program supported 816 clients, providing 18,044 pieces of professional clothing to help women prepare for job interviews and enter the workplace with confidence and dignity.
This personalized styling experience continues to make a lasting impact on our clients’ self-esteem and sense of readiness for professional environments.
| |
DFS continues to welcome donations, especially:
- Work shoes (flat or low, size 10 and up)
- Blazers and pants in medium and large sizes
Don’t forget to check our drop-off times!
| | | | Need workwear for a job interview or a new position? We provide free, professional clothing to help you feel confident and job-ready. | | | | |
Know a teen who could use a confidence boost this Fall?
We’re accepting bookings now for styling sessions.
| | | |
Spring Working Women’s Group
Growth, Support, and Graduation
Our Spring 2025 Working Women’s Group cohort wrapped up with the largest class size to date, reflecting growing interest and impact.
🎓 22 women graduated, completing the program with strengthened life skills, peer support, and renewed confidence for their next steps in employment and life transitions.
| |
Basic Digital Skills
Building Confidence, One Click at a Time
| | | Want to feel more confident using a computer? Join our digital literacy sessions this Fall—no experience needed. | | | | Help a teen girl unlock her potential this Fall. Our sessions focus on build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills. | | |
During International Women’s Day, Making Changes hosted an impactful event to #AccelerateAction at The CORE, in partnership with RBC. We collected 250 purses and received generous financial contributions, all thanks to our amazing community and partners. We also partnered with Ollia Macarons, who generasly donated a portion of their IWD Macaron Box Set sales to Dress for Success Calgary, to continue to help empower women on their road to financial independence. Additionally, we worked with Annex Ale Project, where we brewed our own "Blu-Barb" Ale (Blueberry & Rhubarb) for the Beer Battle, furthering our commitment to supporting women’s initiatives. Together, we made a meaningful difference.
| | | |
On May 30th, Cowboys Nightclub transformed into a vibrant space of connection, purpose, and generosity. In just 2.5 hours, this unforgettable evening raised over $4,000 in support of Dress for Success Calgary — thanks to the energy of local boutiques, the generosity of prize partners, and the incredible Calgary community. From the runway to the raffle tables, every moment reflected the power of fashion as a force for good.
A massive thank-you to the amazing local boutiques who brought their style and energy to the runway: HG Vintage, CoutuKitsch, Holt Renfrew, Alberta Boot, and Heist. You helped make the night shine. And to our generous prize partners — PARK/Sidewalk Citizen, Alberta Ballet, and X92.9 — thank you for helping us celebrate in style.
| | | |
From 306 participants and 51 spirited teams to one unforgettable finale on June 19th — Wine Survivor 2025 was filled with energy, excitement, and tremendous support for Making Changes Association.
Thank you to everyone who played, poured, and championed our mission — your enthusiasm turned this fundraiser into a true celebration of community.
| | | |
Congratulation to our winning teams!
- 1st Place Team – Team 8 - Uncorked Club - winning 107 bottles of wine
- 2nd Place Team – Team 6 - The Whiners - winning 76 bottles of wine
- 3rd Place Team – Team 14 - POUR US! - winning 45 bottles of wine
- 4th Place Team – Team 48 - I Decant Even! - winning 30 bottles of wine
- 5th Place Team – Team 4 - Making Pour Choices - winning 27 bottles of wine
- 6th Place Team – Team 2 - Super Sippers - winning 15 bottles of wine
- The Biggest Loser (the 1st team eliminated) - Team #19 - The Kerr - Lazeski Cru - winning 6 bottles of wine
A big thank you to our sponsors; Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink and Wine and Beyond. Your contribution had a significant impact on the success of our event!
| |
Employment and Life Skills (ELS) Program
Honouring four decades of empowerment.
In March, we celebrated the legacy of this program as it came to a close after 40 years. Thank you to everyone who made it possible — your impact lives on.
| |  | |
Philanthropy is for Everyone
A little from many creates lasting change.
In May, we launched a campaign built on one idea: You don’t have to give big to give meaningfully.
Small, monthly donations fuel steady, sustainable growth. When we give together, we create change together.
| | | |
This spring, we found a fun way to show our appreciation — with a playful “Mrs. Roper Party” to celebrate the spirit and style of our incredible volunteer community! Whether it’s through themed gatherings or heartfelt shout-outs, we’re always looking for ways to let our volunteers know how valued they truly are.
5,610 volunteer hours have already been contributed in the first half of the year — and every minute has made a difference.
| | | |
We also proudly celebrated seven outstanding volunteers whose lasting impact earned them the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal: Ayden Athwal, Teri-Ann Begin, Sarah Chiu, Jerilynn Daniels, Reanna Dorscher, Ingrid Martinez, and Donna Yamniuk.
Their commitment to kindness, empowerment, and meaningful change continues to inspire the entire Making Changes community.
| | |
Source: Greenshield
Source: City News
| | | |
We’ve accomplished so much in six months — but we’re not slowing down.
With your continued support, we’ll keep building pathways for women and girls in Calgary to succeed, thrive, and lead.
Want to help?
Monthly gifts make a big difference. Just $10 can cover a woman’s ride to career training, and $25 can provide a week of digital access. Your steady support creates lasting, year-round impact.
-
💛 Volunteer — bring your time, talents, and compassion to support women in transition.
-
💛 Share our mission — forward this email, post on social media, or talk to your community. Every voice amplifies our mission.
Thank you for being part of this story.
Together, we’re making change — one life, one step, one powerful moment at a time.
| |
STAY IN TOUCH WITH US
Did you know that you can find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube?
If you aren’t already, follow us on social media where we share information about our programs and events. Share links with your networks to help us spread the word!
| | | | |
