posted by The Princess Shop |
December 29, 2018 10:32
Written by Heidi Anderson
I am very grateful for the volunteer position that I was given the opportunity to have over the past year at The Princess Shop.

In December 2017, I was looking for a consistent volunteer commitment that I could take on that would be of a benefit to my community. When I first heard about The Princess Shop I was interested in the idea that they are helping women in need and being apart of reducing and reusing grad dresses. Reducing and reusing are two concepts that I try and follow in my personal life. I love art and expression, but I feel like we live in an overly commercialized culture filled with so much stuff. On further inspection I learned about the rest of the programs – it is so much more than a dress. If a graduate uses The Dress Program they gain access to other programs and attendance at the main events. There is The Dress Program, The Next Chapter Program and The Fairy Godmother Program. The full name of The Princess Shop is The Princess Shop Mentorship and Female Youth Development Inc. The Princess Shop mission is to create an enhanced graduation experience for female-identified students in need, and provide them with mentorship, support, and the tools to pursue success after graduation.
My first meeting was overwhelming, and it took awhile to understand everything that The Princess Shop does, what was expected of me, and how the organization is run. It takes a lot for this organization to run effectively. Thankfully, the rest of the volunteers and Karen Robson the executive director were patient and understanding. They were also able to adapt with me as I went through some life changes like a work scheduling change. I felt supported by these women and that they wanted what was best for me. This was a refreshing change as in many avenues in my life I have felt a sense of rivalry from my female peers. I felt as if my volunteer contributions were appreciated! As women we should be all be trying to encourage one another and build each other’s self esteem. Empowered women empower women.


I took on the position of the Fairy Godmother Program Coordinator. I felt this was the right fit for me as I have an interest in and a background in education. The Fairy Godmother Program is a mentorship program and it was sponsored by TD. An interested princess graduate is partnered up with a woman in the community that wants to be a mentor to a princess graduate. All the participants were interviewed and matched into pairs. These women keep in touch throughout each month. They are also expected to attend monthly activities that are put on from September to March. This season we have had a lawn games activity, a pumpkin painting activity, a skin care workshop with local business Green Tree Beauty, and a holiday party so far.


It was great to see the connections made! Mentorship is a learning opportunity for the mentee and the mentor. Even though attendance was a struggle at times for the participants, it didn’t take away from the value of the program. It was clear that it was making a difference for the people who were apart of it. Having the program as an option available for those that want to utilize it, is a value in and of its self. Having someone that supports you and is your cheer leader in life is so important for your personal growth. Imagine never having that and then getting the opportunity to have that! I love that each season past matches can continue to be apart of the program. My wish for the Fairy Godmother Program is that it grows. If you want to be a role model in a princess graduate’s life, please apply to be a Fairy Godmother as The Princess Shop will be seeking new fairy godmothers to join the program next season.
The Dress Program
Being at dress choosing appointments, it is interesting to see all the sorts of people that use The Dress Program and what their style preferences are. The participants are encouraged to choose something that interests them. At The Princess Shop there is so many styles of dresses, shoes and accessories to choose from and you are encouraged to be you. I really liked complimenting the ladies when they found a dress and seeing how appreciative they were for the experience. My favorite comment from a graduate when choosing a dress and accessories was, “I feel like Beyonce.”
Graduation Days
On the graduation day it is a very busy and exciting time! The graduates can have their hair and makeup done and get professional photos taken. Seeing the graduates light up is very rewarding for all involved. My favorite moment on a grad day was watching an elderly lady who was about to graduate and she brought her son with her. She explained that over the years she wasn’t often able to make herself a priority and was very nervous for graduation. As she was done up and went to pictures, you could see the confidence in herself build.

The Perfectly Pink Appreciation BBQ
The BBQ is a great time to gather with all the princess shop participants, their families and supporting community members. We had such a great turn out this year and almost all the food was eaten! There was even a bouncy castle for the children. During the BBQ the recipients of the scholarships from the next chapter program were announced! This BBQ has been sponsored by a Fairy Godmother Kari Calder of Kari Calder Realty for a very long time which provides the opportunity for Princess Graduates and their families to attend at no cost.
The Next Chapter Program
The Next Chapter Program is The Princess Shop’s scholarship program. What I really appreciate about the Next Chapter Program is that it doesn’t matter how many years ago you utilized the dress program, you are still able to apply for the scholarships! If The Princess Shop exists, a past Dress Program participant is able to apply to those scholarships. There are so many great scholarship opportunities and learning workshops offered through the program. At the Glass Slipper Benefit this year a scholarship opportunity was bid on and $9,300 was raised!
The Glass Slipper Benefit for Princesses presented by K+S Potash Canada
The Glass Slipper Benefit is the largest fundraiser event put on by The Princess Shop. Lots of work is put into this event and planning begins very early on every year. Sponsors and silent auction items are gathered from all around our community. It is very inspiring listening to the speeches given at the gala by past princess graduates explaining how the princess shop has impacted their life.

If you are interested in going to the Glass Slipper Benefit, it is best to get your ticket early as it saves you money.

There are many fundraising events that are put on all year round by The Princess Shop like the upcoming cupcake contest held on January 29th of this year during the Nutrien WinterShines Festival. The Cupcake Contest is where bakers compete by creating a cupcake modeled off a dress from The Princess Shop and guests get to judge and decide what cupcake was their favorite. It’s only $10 to attend and sample all of the cupcakes. The Princess Shop is always interested in different creative fundraising ideas, so they can continue to have the funds to run.
Unfortunately, I cannot continue as the Fairy Godmother Coordinator as I will be moving out of the city and have travel plans in 2019. I will however continue to show support in the ways that I can. The Princess Shop is always seeking help in many ways from small to large commitments. Please reach out and contact them if you want to contribute in any way. 
I am approaching ten years since I graduated high school. At that time, I really did not see that much significance on the day of graduation. I viewed it in many ways just like any other day and that graduating high school wasn’t that big of a deal. As I have lived my life for the past ten years and reflected, I have seen the value in celebrating positive moments and successes in life. Life is simply too short not to celebrate.


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posted by The Princess Shop |
April 6, 2017 15:42
What an amazing evening! Last night The Princess Shop celebrated our 10th Annual Glass Slipper Benefit for Princesses presented by K+S Potash Canada! The Glass Slipper Benefit is our biggest fundraiser, and one of the most important nights of the year for our program. This is just one of the reasons why we have such gratitude for our amazing list of sponsors. Without the help of these sponsors, this evening wouldn't be possible. Without further ado, we'd like to take a minute to thank the following: To our title sponsor, K + S Potash Canada, to our dinner sponsor KPMG, our entertainment sponsor AREVA Resources Canada, and to all of our supporting sponsors Strata Development and McFaull Consulting... THANK YOU!

The Princess Shop would like to extend a heartfelt thank you and appreciation to all of the following sponsors for their generous support of the 10th Annual Glass Slipper Benefit for Princesses:
4Cats Art Studio
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A Head of Time
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Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN)
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Agrium Women's Leadership Group
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Al Anderson's
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Alchemy
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Amy's Plantscaping
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Apex Trampoline Park
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Area
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AREVA Resources Canada
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Back Then & Again
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Balloonatic YXE
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Bella Sante MD Cosmetic & Laser Clinic
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Beverly Ashdown Nail Studio
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Black Fox Farm & Distillery
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Blossoms Living
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Bombargo
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Bon Temps Cafe
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Brandon Ziola, Mikes Beverage Company
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Build-a-Bear Workshop
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Business Furnishings Saskatchewan
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Cabi
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Cactus Club Cafe
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Cakes by Kait
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Calistaprints
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Carolyn Schur
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Carstar
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Centennial 360
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Chianti Cafe
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Cindy Moleski Photography and Framing
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Citizen Cafe and Bakery
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City Perks
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Connie and Patrick Slack
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Courtney Willick - Independent Arbonne Consultant
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Crossmount Cidery
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Crushed Accessories
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DancEgypt Dance Company
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Delta Bessborough
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Dr. Parviz Yazdani
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Dragon's Den
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Earth Sisters (Jewelry, Art, Home Decor & Whimsy)
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Eastview Bowl (Hunter's Bowling)
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Eb's Source for Adventure
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elizabethLyn Jewelry
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Elk Ridge Resort
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Enactus
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Enterprise Rent-a-Car
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Epic Alliance
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Ernst & Young
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Federated Cooperatives Ltd.
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Freedom Functional Fitness
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Fresh Living
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Funky Petals
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FYIDoctors
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Gerald Murray Photography
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Glitch Gifts and Novelties
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Green Ark Collected Home
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Gregg Bamford- Saskatoon Residential
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Handy Special Events
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Harden & Huyse Chocolates
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Harley Davidson
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Harvest Meats
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Hawood Inn
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Hillberg & Berk
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Hugo Alvarado
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Humboldt Sobeys
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Impact Marketing Services
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In The Mix DJ and Bartending Services
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Infinity Management
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Inland Audio Visual
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J and S Picture Warehouse
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Jami Young
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Joelle Tomlinson/Global Saskatoon
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Joi Photography
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K+S Potash Canada
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Kal Tire (downtown)
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Kal Tire (stonebridge)
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Kaylee Smisko Makeup Artistry
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Keen, Wanda (Photographer)
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Kelly Block MP, Saskatoon-Rosetown
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Keo's
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Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon
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KPMG
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KR Jewelry
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Lauren Ethridge - Artist
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Lavish Blowout Bar
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Le Lash Boutique
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Lead Pilates
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Lia Reese Cosmetics
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Lifecycle Spin Studio
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Little Luba
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Living Sky Marketing
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Londin Lash
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Lucky Bastard Distillers
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Lux Events
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M&M Meats
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Mar's Mini Golf
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Market Mall
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Mary-Kay
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MC College
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McFaull Consulting
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Merle Norman Cosmetics
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Michelle's Flowers
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Midtown Plaza
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Modern Sole Saskatoon
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Moksha Yoga
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Motion Fitness
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Move N Soar
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Moxie's Classic Grill
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Ness Creek Recreational Society
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Nicole Marie Photography
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Nixynn's Nursery and baby Boutique
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North Ridge Development Corporation
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Nosh Eatery & Tap
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Novo Esthetics Studio
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Oakwood Nissan
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Om Improvements
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One Tooth Saskatoon
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Panago Pizza
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Patricia Katz
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Pay it Forward Saskatoon
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Persephone Theatre
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PickNik's Fine Food and Catering
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Prairie Sun Brewery
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Prairieland Park
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Praxis School of Entrepreneurship
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Pretty Little Shoes
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proACTIVE Fitness
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Professional Institute of Massage
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Provincial Car Service
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Quint Development
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Rachael Meckling
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Rawlco Radio
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Rayacom Printing
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Revamp Salon and Spa
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Riverbend Dental
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Road Coffee Co
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Rock Paper Scissors Salon
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Rodan + Fields - Kristen Thoms
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Rosie & the Riveters
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Ryde YXE
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Salon Centre
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Saskatoon Fashion Design Festival
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Saskatoon Loves Pilates
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Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra
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SaskPower
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SaskTel
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Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival
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Science of Make Up
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Scoles Fine Arts and Framing
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ScotiaBank
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SeneGence Independent Distributor - Reagan Conway
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Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan
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Sharai Siemens Photography
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Sheila's State of the Arts Flowers
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Shelley Novakoski
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Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon
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SIGA
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Snap Fitness
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Spa Academy
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Stan Garchinski
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Sticks and Stones
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Strata Development
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Summit Sports + Health
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SWITCH
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T Squared Social
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Tantrix - Danielle Andreas
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TCU Place
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TD Bank
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Ten Thousand Villages
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The Awl Shoppe
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The Better Good
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The Centre Mall
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The Chamber of Commerce
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The Karma Cafe & Conscious Eatery
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The Mall at Lawson Heights
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The Oil Tree
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The Original Nosh
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The Prairie Lily, Prairie River Cruises
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The Sandbox in the City Clothing Co.
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The Suites at Waskesiu
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The Underground Cafe
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Those Girls at the Market
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Three Farmers
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Three Treasures Tonics
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Tommy Guns
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Trail Appliances
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Traxx Footwear
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True Leaf Collection
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Tu Bees
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Turning the Tide
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Twigs and Squirrels
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Twisted Goods
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Two Fifty Two Boutique
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U of S Bookstore
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Una Pizzeria and Wine
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Uncle Mikes All Natural Products
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Winston's English Pub
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Wolf Willow Winery
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Wright Construction Western Inc.
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Our event wouldn't have the same impact without the generous donations from organizations like this in our community. We are proud to be located in Saskatoon where the people are as kind as they are generous. Thank you to these sponsors, The Princess Shop has helped 756 girls in our community.
Special thanks to Joelle Tomlinson of Global Saskatoon for emceeing the evening and to Rosie & The Riveters who put on a lively performance at the end of the evening! To our Keynote speakers Caci, Sasha, Nadine, Rylee, Kayla, Zoya, Aaron, Desiree and Revena; you all spoke beautifully about your experiences and challenges and your stories touched our audience greatly, thank you for sharing them with us.
The Princess Shop wants to thank YOU for your continued support? Do you want a free pair of
Hillberg & Berk Sparkle Ball earrings? Email info@theprincessshop.ca with your full name and phone number, and name ONE of our supporting sponsors to be entered to win! Winner will be contact on Monday, April 10th. Good luck everyone!
From our community of volunteers and Princesses past, present, and future..... from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU. Our community thrives because of your generosity.
Much Love,
The Princess Shop
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posted by The Princess Shop |
November 16, 2016 14:39
The Princess Shop is proud to announce a new partnership with TD's Women in Leadership, who have joined in on the impact as the Fairy Godmother Program’s sponsor!
“Where confidence and capability meet opportunity.”
Women in Leadership is not only a promise, but an actionable initiative and key objective by TD Bank to enhance the organization’s diversity by expanding leadership opportunities for women. From their website: “At TD, women have access to valuable learning experiences, ongoing support for career goals and a powerful network of like-minded colleagues.”
TD has extended this key objective outside of their organization by sponsoring and donation to organizations with shared values, like ours! The mission of the Fairy Godmother Program is to provide Princess Graduates with the needed self-awareness, self-confidence, motivation and live skills to accomplish their goals. The Fairy Godmother (mentor) provides encouragement and support in bringing these ambitions to reality.
On Tuesday, November 15, 2016, TD Bank held a special event to present sponsorship for the Fairy Godmother Program! The event was held at Lucky Bastard Distillery’s beautiful space, it was catered, with complimentary beverages. The best part was that the room was filled with brilliant women from TD Bank branches from across Saskatchewan, not to mention the men in attendance there to celebrate Women in Leadership!
TD invited The Princess Shop’s Executive Director, Karen Robson to speak about the impacts our programs make. In addition, a Fairy Godmother match, Kaya and Zoya got to share with the room how the Fairy Godmother Program has impacted their lives and brought new perspectives.
To cap off the evening, several TD staff members put on a surprise fashion show showing off some of The Princess Shop’s amazing donated dresses! They all had a blast strutting their stuff on the red carpet runway!
TD’s sponsorship of the Fairy Godmother Program will provide learning opportunities and experiences for the matches to attend together over the course of this year’s cycle. The Princess Shop is proud to share values with TD Women in Leadership, and is excited to continue to encourage new perspectives, growth and learning through mentorship!

Executive Director, Karen Robson

2014 Princess Graduate, Zoya

Zoya, Karen, and Kayla proudly holding the sponsorship cheque!

The lovely TD models!
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Tags: TD Bank, TD, TD Women in Leadership, Women in Leadership, Fairy Godmother Program, Sponsorship, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, TD empowers women, mentorship, mentorship matters, women, support women, advancement of women, leadership, TD Saskatoon
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