Lighting Up A Christchurch Women’s Charity

Every year, hundreds of Christchurch women of all ages make the decision to enter the workforce. Some have spent years dedicating their time to family, others are unemployed, and some are entering work for the first time.

Dress for Success Christchurch provides these women guidance, support, tools and confidence, to shape their own financial futures.

The charity provides clothing, a network of support, and career development tools, so women can thrive in work and life. They have supported more than 5,00 local women since 2003.

Part of the valuable work of the charity is to run a boutique offering clothes and guidance to empower women and help build self-confidence. This is where Aotea Electric Canterbury came in to help. The charity moved from smaller premises in Riccarton, to their current location at 317 Madras Street, a beautiful villa property with many traditional features, but alas not great lighting.

Seeing garment colours, and good mirror reflections is an important part of the experience for the women the charity helps. We were delighted to donate our electrical services to add ceiling downlights to the boutique, consultation room, offices and career centre. The original pendants were kept in place to retain the period features, with the modern downlights adding much needed illumination to create the safe, bright space the charity needs. We also added some extra electrical sockets to further update the premises.

Ginny Rhodes, Executive Manager of the charity said they were “thrilled” with the donated electrical work, she went on to say, “unbelievably generous. The lights have made so much difference. A game-changer, particularly in the dressing rooms.”

There are lots of ways you can get involved or donate to the charity.