Women who are getting back into the workforce or applying for their first job, are getting a big hand-up through a charitable effort by two central Alberta businesses.
The Dress For Success non-profit will receive proceeds for the new Class’d Up Orange Ale, which is being produced by Innisfail’s Field & Forge Brewing in partnership with Central Alberta Co-op Liquor.
For the fourth year running, the charity is benefitting from the beer released on International Women’s Day.
Last year, the special brew brought in several thousands dollars for Dress For Success. “It is helpful and very required,” said Erin Forbes, executive-director of Dress for Success.
Her group doesn’t get any government funding, yet has a burgeoning client list. About 400 women are expected to require assistance from the organization this year, compared to 200 last year.
Forbes believes this could be a sign that many more families are experiencing higher economic needs, or that the Dress For Success name is getting out there and more women are now seeking out its programs.
Clothing that’s donated to the charity is gifted to clients to help them make a great impression during a job interview and the first weeks of employment.
Dress for Success also offers women help with resume writing, interview skills, and holds networking workshops to connect clients with successful local businesswomen and community mentors.
Its working women’s group has hosted various presentations, including Cooking on a Budget.
Forbes said there’s no particular age or demographic needing assistance. “A lot of the women are moms with at least one child at home.”
They might be returning to the workforce after their kids are in school — or after a change in life circumstances in their senior years.
Forbes noted that clients ranged in age from 17 to 70 years.
She’s very grateful that Field & Forge Brewing and the Central Alberta Co-op are teaming up again to provide much needed funds for programs. “It’s very much appreciated.”
Babette Dorn, manager of the Central Alberta Co-op liquor division, considers Dress for Success an “incredible” organization that’s providing valuable services for women.
The Central Alberta Co-op’s liquor divisions has partnered before with Field & Forge on other special brews and wanted to do it again to give back to the community, said Dorn.
Josh Hauta, a salesperson and community lead for Field & Forge in Central Alberta, said the craft brewery “couldn’t be happier” about supporting, and raising awareness of a non-profit that helps local women — with a partner that’s been a great support of the brewery.
Proceeds of each sale from Class’d Up Orange Ale (exclusive to Co-op liquor stores and Forge & Field’s taproom) will go to the non-profit. Pints of the beer are also available at Bo’s in Red Deer.