Humber Student Federation’s annual Dress for Success contest is coming to an end next week.
Every year, HSF gives students the chance to win $1,000 towards a shopping spree to help them “dress for success.” Students can apply with an essay or a two-minute long video, telling HSF why they deserve to win.
Stephen Wong, HSF’s communication coordinator, says most of the time students are on a tight budget and this will give them a chance to buy the wardrobe they need for the future.
“Students are generally on a budget, they might be worried about paying for food more than paying for a new suit,” says Wong. “This is an opportunity for one student to get the wardrobe that they need to get the job that they’re looking for.”
Some of the most impressive winners in the past have been single moms. Previously, the judges think the extra money helped give them a chance to shop for themselves, which is something they don’t often get to do. Every one has an equal chance of winning.
HSF’s vice-president of student affairs at North campus, Ahmed Tahir, says what he’s looking for in the applications is a real need for the makeover.
“For me it’s need, as well as ability to articulate why they need that thing and what they’re going to do with it,” says Tahir. “I’d like to hear examples and reasons that they feel like they’ll benefit from this.”
Along with winning the gift card, students get the chance to shop with the HSF staff who will give them style tips and advice. This will help students choose what outfits look best on them and what would be most appropriate for their prospective career.
Natalie Bobyk, HSF’s communications director, wants students to know that the winner of the contest doesn’t have to buy suits but can buy whatever is suitable for their field.
“Really at the end of the day, if it’s joggers that we’re buying or whether it’s a suit we’re just looking to help that student finance what they need to get them started in their next step,” says Bobyk. “We appreciate the fact of finding a new wardrobe, whether it’s a suit or whether it’s a casual attire. It’s still difficult to be able to afford those things.”
The Dress for Success contest closes April 6 and is open to all Humber students.
