Alayne McGregor
Thieves ransacked a Centretown-based charity on March 3, taking computers, tablets, and merchandise from its boutique.
The Sunday-evening break-in occurred just after Dress for Success Ottawa had held its spring sale. Luckily, said Executive Director Jen Crawford, thieves were not able to get into the locked office containing the close to $18,000 raised that weekend. They tried very hard to break in, though: “there were knives broken off in the door.”
The thieves entered the offices in the basement of 200 Catherine Street by breaking a window with a large metal ashtray, she said. She said the organization is considering putting bars on that window and is talking with its landlord about moving to a more secure space higher up in the building.
Within 10 hours of putting out the notice, she said, “the community had rallied like I’ve never seen. We had 10 volunteers waiting at the door to help us clean up.”
She said it was particularly ironic the break-in occurred on the same week as International Women’s Day, when they advocate and educate the public on the needs of working women.
Dress for Success Ottawa empowers women and gender nonconforming individuals to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help them thrive. The 13-year-old charity is best known for providing clothing to those who need it for job interviews and the first weeks of a new job.
Crawford said it has about 150 volunteers. About 60 act as wardrobe consultants working one on one with clients. In 2023, it helped 998 clients with clothes and coaching on interview skills, resumes, career and life coaching. Supporters donate both money and professional attire in good condition.
It was in the middle of its “Your Hour, Her Power” fundraising campaign when the break-in occurred. As of March 10, it had raised $14,398 of the goal of $15,000.