“Changing the world, one life-makeover at a time.”
Last night, Beauty Night celebrated 10 years of providing Downtown Eastside women and youth with much-needed health and wellness services. Their party was held at InterUrban Gallery on 1 East Hastings Street.
Founder Caroline MacGillivray saw that sex trade workers in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside needed a safe community to rebuild trust and self-esteem in their lives. In 2000, she created Beauty Night: makeover events where DTES women and children could experience beauty makeovers, massage, and wellness services in both a trusting and caring environment.
This concept grew in popularity and size, with 400 volunteers now shaping the twice-weekly events that include between 20 and 40 participants at a time.
New programs have been added as well. Fitness, health & nutrition, literacy, creative endeavours, personal development training and job interview skills are now available. Caroline’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2002, Flare presented her with the Volunteer of the Year award for her hard work and perseverance.
At the event, guests were asked to trace their hands onto paper and write/decorate onto the hands how they see Beauty Night in the present, and their wish for the organization’s next 10 years into the future.
I had the chance to ask Julia Pon, one of Beauty Night’s volunteers, a couple of questions.
Q: What’s one aspect of your commitment to Beauty Night?
A: Foot care and foot massages.
Q: What’s the most rewarding experience about working with DTES women?
A: How amazing all the participants are. I meet a lot of people who know who they are and know where they want to go. They’re so strong that nothing seems to stand in their way. They’ve done and been through so much. They possess lot of inner strength.
Beauty Night has been featured in The Vancouver Sun, Elle Canada, KVOS 12 On the Scene, City TV’s Breakfast Television, 99.3 The Fox, and CiTR 101.9 FM. For more information on their upcoming campaigns (two big ones just around the corner!), call 778.885.4526 or visit their website.
