Workopolis volunteers build ties with Suits Me Fine

Ten corporate volunteers from Workopolis joined CAMH’s Suits Me Fine boutique at the Queen Street site to assist clients in their search to find clothes. In the back storage area they sorted through donations, steamed clothes and helped organize the space.

“I was extremely impressed with how this group engaged our clients. They collectively had a wonderful understanding of the importance of focusing on the individual and addressing their clothing needs when they came in to the Suits Me Fine program,” say Jim Davey, coordinator of CAMH’s Corporate Volunteer program.

Volunteers from Workopolis helped to sort out clothing donations for CAMH’s Suits Me Fine boutique, which helps outfit thousands of clients ever year.

Suits Me Fine provides gently used clothes free of charge for thousands of CAMH clients each year.

“The Workopolis volunteers [from their] Human Resources department really had such a natural and humane approach,” Jim added, “This was one of the most genuine groups of people that have been a part of the Corporate Volunteer program!”

Felina Paterson of Workopolis connected with the CAMH Corporate Volunteer program, with a particular interest in getting her colleagues engaged with Suits Me Fine. The volunteers donated gently-used clothing as well as shampoo, tooth paste, deodorant and other much needed toiletries for the program and clients.

Workopolis Corporate Volunteers pose with Suits Me Fine Coordinator Norma Mcdowall (3rd from left, back row).

“For volunteers who haven’t worked with our population they were quite a hit with our clients. They were extremely humble, relaxed, helpful, and respectful and fit in very well,” says Norma Mcdowall, CAMH Volunteer Coordinator for the Research and Special Populations and the Suits Me Fine boutique. “They took their time to help our clients find appropriate clothing. It is nice when someone asked a client ‘How I can help you today?’”

“You can see the immediate impact on clients self esteem when people find clothes that they enjoy and fit well. Looking good has a direct impact on a persons self confidence and provides a positive boost to his or her self image,” adds Norma.

A special note of thanks goes to veteran Suits Me Fine volunteer Elaina Alicandri for all her hard work in the program and making the Workopolis volunteers feel welcome.

For more information about the CAMH Corporate Volunteer Program, contact Jim_Davey@camh.net at 416 535-8501, ext. 6238

• Print