A rude awakening greeted Cathy Hackett when she walked into the Dress for Success Boutique Sunday morning.
It had been ransacked.
Hackett, Dress for Success board president, had received a call from her landlord saying the boutique had been broken into.
“We didn’t know what to expect until we got down there,” said Hackett. “It’s devastating. It’s hard to believe people do that, but for people to do that to a non-profit organizations is just crazy.”
The non-profit organization provides professional attire for women to secure employment. Saturday night or Sunday morning it had been broken into and had a large portion of their inventory stolen.
Taken were shoes, costume jewelry, purses, bras, cosmetics and makeup, belts and clothes. Even a couple of mannequins were stolen.
Hackett said the ordeal felt shocking.
“It doesn’t make a lot of sense,” said Hackett. “We’ve had to close down and not do any suitings for clients until Dec. 1 because we need to replenish and clean up.”
Resilient, Dress for Success is holding a donation day to help restock their shelves.
From 10 am. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 19, people are asked to drop off items that will help the charity get back on its feet.
Due to their inventory loss, there are specific items needed to help Dress for Success get back on its feet.
They are in the greatest need of winter boots and coats, shoes and short boots, purses, any gently used foundation garments, any jewelry, purses, wallets, clutches, belts and unopened shampoo or conditioner.
“We still have some normal clothing, but it’s not the popular sizes that we usually end up using,” said Hackett.
The boutique is located at 4917-48th St. in downtown Red Deer. Hackett said the hope is to have the boutique up and running in full by the start of December.
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com