Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Fashion Outlets of Chicago partnered to provide free shopping sprees to young people ahead of their upcoming internships. Each participating student was given $550 to spend on professional attire and a stylist to help them pick out their best looks. The goal of the nonprofit is to match children with mentors who help build one-on-one relationships that lead to transformative opportunities and gainful employment. The guidance of a mentor has been life-changing for senior Malik McDonald, who has been a part of the organization for several years and has a corporate internship this summer.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago has partnered with the Fashion Outlets of Chicago to provide a free shopping spree for a group of young people. The aim is to help them obtain professional attire before starting their internships.
Malik McDonald, a senior at Evanston Township High School who is due to start a corporate internship this summer, said: “I’m really happy I get to have this moment. When I show someone a first impression, I want to make sure I make a good one.”
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago and the Fashion Outlets of Chicago gave each participant $550 to spend on outfits for their future professional experiences. The organizations also provided a stylist to help them pick out their best looks.
“If you look good, you feel good,” said Jeremy Foster, President of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago. “You have confidence, and that’s what we’re trying to instill – having confidence.”
The nonprofit has a long history of matching children with mentors who help build one-on-one relationships that lead to transformative opportunities. Foster said: “When we make a match, our ultimate goal is that every child realizes their full potential. And how do you do that? You need gainful employment.”
McDonald, who has been a part of Big Brothers, Big Sisters for several years, said the guidance of his mentor has been life-changing. “He gets me to do a lot of things that I probably wouldn’t do on my own,” McDonald said. “He helped change my life around.”
McDonald is considering a future as a pharmacist or marine biologist. But first, he’ll be a summer intern with a fashionable start.
The event was held at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont, Illinois. The shopping spree was designed to give the young people the opportunity to purchase professional attire that they may not have otherwise been able to afford.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago has been operating for over 100 years. The organization is committed to providing mentorship to children and young people to help them realize their full potential.
The Fashion Outlets of Chicago is a shopping center located in Rosemont, Illinois. The center offers a range of designer and luxury brands at discounted prices.
The partnership between the two organizations is an excellent example of how businesses and nonprofits can work together to provide opportunities for young people.
The event was a success, with the young people leaving with new outfits and the confidence to take on their internships. It is hoped that the experience will inspire them to continue to strive for success in the future.
With all of this in mind, the partnership between Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago and the Fashion Outlets of Chicago is a fantastic initiative that provides young people with the tools they need to succeed. By providing professional attire and mentorship, they are giving these young people the confidence to take on the world.
