Res·o·lu·tion

/,rezǝ’looSH(ǝ)n/

A firm decision to do or not to do something. 

Most people's January to-do lists mention the idea of a New Year's Resolution. They might work hard on these ideas throughout the year, meet some, change some, or just put them off for the following year's list. This word "resolution", however, is so set on the idea of being able to firmly commit to something and for that idea to then just magically come true. We all want that "law of attraction" to be real, but there's more to it than just that. By this point in the year, most people have come to this conclusion already. We need to work on our goals with a plan of action in place and the proper support systems helping us out. We have many magical ideas that we're always dreaming up, but their ability to actualize depends on so many factors, such that perhaps they fall into a category of their own; a bucket-list of sorts. At the end of 2018, one of the activities The Princess Shop volunteer team went through was drafting up a bucket-list of our own:

Heidi's Bucket List:

1. Broad awareness about The Princess Shop - it's more than just a dress. It's true! Our Next Chapter and Fairy Godmother programs offer so many life-changing opportunities!
2. Every graduate should know The Princess Shop is an option and that they don’t need to struggle alone. 
3. The Fairy Godmother Program could gain more matches that sustain into the future. 
4. There should be more applicants to all scholarship opportunities as well as a greater variety of scholarships to give out!
5. The Princess Shop should have a larger volunteer team. 

Bailey:

1. Recruit a full team of volunteers by April. 
2. Record the number of graduates every year. 
3. Have more rural graduates in the program.

Sarah:

1. Have more graduates than in 2018. 
2. Fill all volunteer positions.
3. Reach goals for the 12th Annual Glass Slipper Benefit for Princesses.
4. Dream up and organize more fundraising events with a greater turnout.
5. Have volunteers put in more cumulative hours.

These goals of ours may not be met just by us wishing them into existence, but with continuous action, we hope to see them born into reality. On top of these ideas and our plans, we have a wonderful support system that acts as the final piece of the puzzle working towards The Princess Shop's success - that's you! This all happens because of the people upholding a commitment to this journey with us; volunteers, sponsors, alumni, and everyone working hard for The Princess Shop's success creates an environment of growth and constant improvement. These thoughts are echoed in the volunteers’ bucket-list wishes when they recognize the need for more volunteers and funds - essentially, the need for even more assistance. Many hands indeed make light work and the greater our community, the better!

It is with these goals in mind and with gratitude for the support we receive in our hearts that we move forward into this year. We hope to create some magical memories this year.

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!

That's right, The Princess Shop's Wineraiser is back and better than before with The First Annual Princess Shop Holiday Spiritraiser. If you participated in the first wineraiser you'll understand how this is going to work, but there's more.

With a $20 donation there is a choice for a minimum donation of one bottle of wine, one 6-pack of beer, or one 375 mL bottle (mickey) of liquor. There is no limit on the number of donations and you will have the chance to win back all of your alcohol donations. The draw for the Holiday Spiritraiser will take place on December 8th, so don't miss your chance to get your donations in! The prize breakdown will be as follows: 

1st place receives 35% of all alcohol collected

2nd place receives 25% of all alcohol collected

3rd place receives 15% of all alcohol collected

4th place receives 5% of all alcohol collected

5th place receives 5% of all alcohol collected

6th place receives 5% of all alcohol collected

7th place receives 5% of all alcohol collected

8th place receives 5% of all alcohol collected

So here are the Official Rules of The Princess Shop's Holiday Spiritraiser:

1) Minimum donation of one bottle of wine, one 6-pack of beer, or one 375 mL bottle of liquor and $20 

2) For every additional $20 donation your name will be entered into the draw again! (For example a $60 donation means 3 entries to the draw!)

3) Homemade wine, beer or alcohol will not be accepted

4) Final draw will be on December 8th, 2016

This is an excellent fundraiser to get you set up for hosting this Holiday Season and we wouldn't want you to miss out! So, be sure to contact a Princess Shop volunteer, email info@theprincessshop.ca, or phone (306) 222-3311 for more information and to get your donations in! Cheers!