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My Year Volunteering at The Princess Shop

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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Saskatoon's Best Cupcake 2018 - Nutrien Wintershines

posted by The Princess Shop    |   February 13, 2018 10:47

 

On Tuesday, January 30th, we had the pleasure of taking part in the Nutrien Wintershines Festival for the third year in a row! We hosted the 3rd Annual Dress it Up Cupcake Contest where we had six local bakers compete for the title of the best cupcake in Saskatoon as a way to fundraise for our programs! Each baker selected a dress from The Princess Shop to model their cupcake after, and we were blown away by the creativity of these contestants! Caketopia Custom Cakes, Chef de Partie Catering, Crave Cupcakes, The Foodiepharmbabe, Miche’s Niche, and The Night Oven Bakery were all in the running for the top prize, voted by Saskatoon’s community who came out to taste and vote!

Here are the cupcake entries, and we will announce the winner at the end of this post! Big shout out and thanks to Infinity Management for the amazing photos!

Caketopia Custom Cakes:

Caketopia Custom Cakes designed their cupcake off of a glitzy sequined dress and named their cupcake “The Gatsby”. This delectable cupcake was not only beautiful, but it was a caramel-filled cupcake with coconut buttercream, decorated with chocolate and caramel flavoured fondant – almost too pretty to eat!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caketopia_custom_cakes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caketopiacustomcakes

Chef de Partie Catering:

Chef de Partie Catering selected a beautiful angelic white dress with pink flower details, and really displayed decorating skills with a beautifully shimmery rose! The flavour fit the look: Strawberry Pink Champagne!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefdepartiecatering/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefdepartiecatering/

Crave Cupcakes:

Crave Cupcakes selected a beautiful creamsicle-like dress with beautiful sparkly detail. Their cupcake flavour? You guessed it! Orange Creamsicle – it got us dreaming of summer!

                                                    

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cravecupcakes/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cravecupcakes/

The Foodiepharmbabe:

The Foodiepharmbabe (or Get Baked with V on Facebook), chose a ruffly-skirt with blues and greens, so she named her cupcake “Caramel Truffle Under the Sea”! It was a decadent chocolate cupcake topped with caramel Swiss Meringue buttercream, white chocolate shards, sparkly pearls, and a caramel truffle hidden “under the sea” of buttercream.  

                                                             

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodiepharmbabe/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodiepharmbabe/

Miche's Niche:

Miche’s Niche went after a sparkly purple ball gown which inspired her creation. This cupcake was a refreshing vanilla cupcake with Saskatoon Berry and Lemon Cream Cheese filling. It was purple, sparkly, and delicious!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michesniche_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michesniche/

The Night Oven Bakery:

The Night Oven Bakery’s Jasmine chose her very own graduation dress, which now is donated to The Princess Shop. Calling it the “Candy Bar” cupcake, this fun cupcake was a chocolate candy bar cake, topped with Italian buttercream, M&Ms, and silver pearl candies!

                                                       

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenightoven/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenightoven/

Saskatoon’s Best Cupcake 2018:

After over 150 guests came, tasted all delicious cupcakes, then had to make the difficult decision which cupcake to vote for, the votes were in the favour of….

The Foodiepharmbabe! Venessa’s “Caramel Truffle Under the Sea” won over the crowd with its hidden surprise under the Swiss Meringue buttercream. We presented Venessa with a framed certificate, and pair of Sparkle Ball Earrings from Hillberg & Berk!

We also send warm thank-yous to the businesses who donated door prizes: Enterprise Rent a Car, KR Jewelry, and Hillberg & Berk! Thank you to the Sobeys in Humboldt for providing bottled water!

A special thank you to Janella Hamilton of CTV Saskatoon News for emceeing the event and announcing our winner!

To the team at On-Purpose Events, thank you for putting on such a fantastic winter festival and bringing the community together! Thank you to  Nutrien for sponsoring an important event that truly keeps our community warm and vibrant: Wintershines!

To each of our The Princess Shop volunteers who helped organize, setup and take down the event. Thank you to our Fundraising Coordinator, Bonnie Chen, for leading us through this event. Check out our Facebook page for the full album!

And lastly, but surely not least, to each of YOU in the community who came to sample, vote, and enjoy an evening of sweets for such a great cause. You are helping us bring graduation, scholarship/bursary, and mentorship experiences to more Saskatchewan women than ever before. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! All of !the proceeds from the event were given back to The Princess Shop!

Our next major event is our 11th Annual Glass Slipper Benefit for Princesses, presented by K+S Potash Canada on April 5, 2018 at TCU Place. Join us for an evening of good fun, good food, and giving back to the community. We'd love to see you there!

 

All love, 

The Princess Shop Team

The Princess Shop Sponsors
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The Princess Shop Sponsors
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The Princess Shop
our location
12 - 1622 Ontario Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1S8
t: 306-222-3311

Store Hours for Dress Returns & Donations:
Monday: 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Wednesday: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 3:00pm

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