Just over 180 attended the New 2 You event at Canvas Brewery on the evening of Thursday, October 12, 2023.
The ladies were treated to a charcuterie table, mock cocktails, a fashion show, and a free shopping event, but most of all, the occasion managed to bring more than 180 women from the community together under one roof for a good time and a ladies’ night. Tickets were $20 each and net proceeds from the event were being donated to YWCA of Muskoka.
It all started in 2011 when Kim O’Grady shifted from a career in stretch pants to a career in real estate. On a very tight budget with absolutely no business attire, she had to build her wardrobe from the ground up and it took time. Lacking the confidence to put outfits together and the funds, she wished there was something that would offer women clothing options, without stigma.
So she founded Ms. Pearl. O’Grady saw a need in our community to help women get back into the workforce by providing free, donated gently worn business casual clothing. It took off, however, she could no longer store the clothing so sadly Ms. Pearl could not continue.
Fast forward 11 years later, she saw an opportunity to start an online version of Ms.Pearl on Facebook. It needed a new name, so New 2 U Muskoka was born!
While the platform offered women a place to exchange clothing for free, there was still something missing. After collaborating with three like-minded businesswomen, Aimee Sinclair, Christina Carr, and Christine Elliott, the idea of a fashion show and free shopping event evolved. On Thursday, their vision became a reality and was attended by about 181 guests.
Brandy Van Gelder walks the runway:
Everyone was given a stamp and when their colour was called, the ladies had five minutes to pick out up to three items of clothing.
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