Trick or Treat!

This post is like Halloween, full of goodies. I have pictures, newspaper articles and messages from parents who attended the Cinderella Event with their daughters. I have to admit to some hording, thinking that I have a virtual vault of blog posts with all this material, but truth is I'm having a hard time finding time to unlock the vault :) So I'm going back to my original analogy and dumping all the goodies into the trick-or-treat bag. (that way the vault is empty and I don't feel guilty! - there is method to my madness)

First of all I want to share a wonderful article that appeared in the Oakville Beaver a few days before our event. Kara is on the right, I am on the left. (I'm not sure why we both look like we have double chins - cause we don't - really).

Next, I've created another slide show with pictures that Sandy Middleton provided (Sandy was one of our jewelry managers - note all the pictures of the beautiful jewelry that was donated!).




Finally I've saved the best for last - it's kind of like digging into that trick-or treat bag and finding one more Kit Kat bar (or in this case TWO because there are two very special notes to share!!) Last week a friend dropped off the Letters to the Editor page from The Toronto Sun. I've been meaning to scan it and post it to our site, but I'm glad I never got around to it because yesterday a friend forwarded this email to me (which was forwarded to her from someone else......you get the idea....)

Subject: Cinderella Story - success...

Just read this letter in today's paper! Sounds like this Cinderella Story was a success based on this thank you note?! Brings to mind that these acts of kindness not only help and impress the girl who receives the outfit, but their entire family...No doubt understanding how meaningful this is, these folks who received the gift will 'pass it (the attitude) forward' when they have the opportunity...   Ann


WONDERFUL GENEROSITY

Last week, my daughter brought home a notice from school about an event called "A Cinderella Story," where young girls who could not necessarily afford a dress could find something to wear for their upcoming grads. My daughter is in Grade 8 and I was wondering how to afford the cost of a new dress, etc., with all the other day to day expenses already weighing me down. This notice was welcome news. On arrival and as we got to the front of the line, I was advised the dresses were not just reduced in cost, but were free. Not only that, but each young lady had a personal shopper to help her find the right dress, and they were also able to get shoes, a purse, some jewelry, a wrap/shawl and some make-up as well, all free. My daughter was overwhelmed, as was I, by the generosity of the donors of these items, and the time and effort involved by all those volunteers who made it possible. I want to thank everyone involved in this endeavour and all the people involved in "Random Acts of Kindness". It is comforting to know that in times of financial hardship, there are people and companies so willing to give. My daughter is ecstatic about the outfit she chose and I am grateful beyond words.

Andrew Jackson Brampton

THANKS ANDREW! We really appreciate that you took the time to acknowledge how the event touched you and your daughter. She looked like a princess!!

THANKS ANNE for that insight - that is EXACTLY our hope!!

Then today I received this note, also forwarded to me.........Trick-or-Treat. (You'll have to come back to see this note, I'm waiting for the individual's permission before posting it)

Permission granted:

My daughter and I recently attended your dress giveaway for girls who needed prom or graduation dresses. After spending an absolutely delightful afternoon finding a dress, we enjoyed watching the pleasure on other girls faces as they left with their treasures. The dress my daughter found was exactly what she wanted but was a little too small but I felt someone could alter it. My mother in law has never been very close to our family for a variety of reason but she a whiz with a needle and thread. The joy on my childs face as the dress was transformed into perfect fit is priceless. However the ultimate prize was the fact that my daughter asked her grandmother to alter the dress and has showed such thankfullness that the relationship with my husbands mother has permantly changed for the better. Not bad for one little dress that cost so little but has had huge rewards.
Thank you for organizing this event and please know the dress will be return to you next year along with half a dozen others looking for a new home.

WOW - THANK-YOU for sharing the story of your family's healing. Kindness is always the first step to peace!


Kara and I know from our volunteers how moved they were by the experience, but I really hope that letters and notes such as these affirm the power of kindness to change lives and build community!