Stepping into the role of Volunteer Representative is not what you would expect, or at least in comparison to my own previous volunteer experience, not what I expected.

It's been more than - and better than - I envisioned. Every week I attend a weekly meeting with a group of successful and motivating women. We're surrounded by beautiful donated gowns, shoes and accessories. We brainstorm, goal set, get off track for a moment and laugh, and are constantly re-evaluating every aspect of the organization to ensure we have a positive impact on not only our Princess Graduates but our community as whole. By the end of the meeting, were assigned chosen tasks to meet our goals and out into the community we go. We fundraise, network with donors and sponsors and build lasting relationships. 

While this is happening, me and other Volunteer Representatives along with individuals from our list of 'Helping Hands', conduct dress appointments which is by far, one of the most fulfilling duties. We simply consult with the graduate about her wants and needs for grad day and beyond. We outline the different programs The Princess Shop offers and ultimately attempt to be the bridge between adversity and prosperity. Once graduation season arrives, it's a whirlwind of wearing many different hats. We go from being a graduate's personal assistant to being a team player of the salons were in and out of. 

Every so often, were pulled aside by a graduate who feels graduation and everything that comes with this major achievement, would not be possible without the organization. Rather it was through lending her a dress, providing her with a scholarship or simply being a mentor in her life, we've alleviated hardship in more ways than one. We're thanked and told that we should be proud of the work we do. And when the graduates acknowledge our work and display appreciation for all that we do, it is only a bonus. Because I can tell you, that is not why myself or our team, volunteer for The Princess Shop. 

I volunteer because of everything I just shared with you. Though it is only a glimpse of the expectations and experiences that come with the position. If you read between the lines, it's quite easy to recognize that this organization pushes you to become better for yourself and the community. It's a doorway to seeing what community means and what our community offers. It's a way to feel empowered through empowering other women. It further develops various life skills that one utilizes in their everyday life. Skills such as Communication and Leadership skills. And it overall provides you with an experience that changes your life while changing others' lives. 

Chelsey is one of a group of amazing individuals who make The Princess Shop a magical place through their passion and dedication. Does this sound like your kind of crew? We are looking to fill some more roles and would love to have you if this post spoke to you. Click here!

The Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon's mandate is to "Serve the Community's Greatest Need.” The Princess Shop is honoured to be among the many worthy causes in the city being supported by this volunteer organization. 

The Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon have been a major sponsor of the Dress Program since the 2011-2012 graduation season, as Diamond Sponsor! This commitment and support has allowed The Princess Shop to grow and flourish over the years, and this year we are celebrating our 10th graduation season supporting Saskatchewan’s graduating women in need! With last year’s 127 Princess Graduates, we anticipate another busy year ensuring graduating students in the province have an equivalent graduation experience to their peers!

As a nonprofit group, the Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon puts on many initiatives throughout the year to raise funds that will go directly back into the community. It is important for the greater community to pay attention to these events, because their success is spread across so many initiatives in the community from grassroots sports to cultural events to social impact organizations like The Princess Shop! 

Keep an eye out for these fundraisers put on by the Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon:

Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Dinner - Feb 3rd, 2016 (tickets on sale now, here!) - The 57th Annual Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Dinner pays tribute to hockey legend Guy Lafleur with special guests Mario Lemieux, Luc Robitaille, and GM of the Montreal Canadiens, Marc Bergevin.

Kinsmen Home Lotto – Spring and Early Summer

The Princess Shop's team is full of hard-working women wanting to make a difference in the Saskatoon community by helping girls in need. There are so many great reasons to become a volunteer at The Princess Shop, but our volunteer team wanted to point out the top 10!  

1) Meet so many inspiring Princess Graduates

Meeting the girls who are benefiting from the program and getting to know about them and their dreams and goals gives inspiration to our volunteers for their own lives. 

2) Relive your Graduation Day 

Helping out the Princess Graduates on their big day and seeing them all done up with their dresses on, takes our volunteers' back to their own graduation day.

3) Making connections in the community

Helping plan The Glass Slipper Benefit, Perfectly Pink BBQ or other events means reaching out to local businesses for donations, which is a great way to network in Saskatoon. 

4) Rewarding work, empowering women

Providing support for Graduation Day and beyond for girls in need and seeing the impact is an excellent feeling!

5) Looking at pretty, sparkly dresses

And helping our beautiful Princess Graduates pick out their special dress is so much fun!

6) Explaining The Princess Shop to members of the community

It's exciting to spread the word about what The Princess Shop offers to young women in the community and how we can help girls beyond their graduation day! Hearing people's positive reactions about our work is very rewarding.  

7) Having fun with our volunteer team

Whether it's Sunday morning brunch-ing or spontaneously buying tickets to Saskatoon Fashion and Design Festival Runway, our volunteer team always has fun. 

8) Opportunity to take the reins on your own project as a coordinator 

As a coordinator you are responsible for your program (Next Chapter Program, Fairy Godmother Program, Dress Program, Fundraising, Communications), which is a great experience for young professionals that are joining the work force. This is a unique opportunity that a volunteer role at The Princess Shop provides. 

9) Even our dust is sparkly

Yes, that makes things like sweeping way more fun.

And if that wasn't enough... 

10) Sometimes we get visits from special friends

Sometimes it's from furry friends, like #JadeTheHuskyHeeler

And there are so many more! We are so fortunate to have amazing, committed women on our volunteer team!

If any of the above reasons interest you in volunteering at The Princess Shop, check out our openings and be sure to check back and join our email list for updates! We would love to have you join us!