By Mikayla van Loon
First Impressions Clothing Exchange (FICE) in Mooroolbark has just celebrated two years being in operation with a come and try pamper day for women and girls.
Reaching this milestone was not easy, battling lockdowns and restrictions throughout its two year life but FICE Coordinator Renee Cooke said it didn’t stop the team from supporting women where they could.
On Friday 18 February, FICE opened up the Mooroolbark store, bringing an array of pamper activities like make up sessions, reiki, massage and bra fittings all for free.
“We’ve had some really lovely, wonderful volunteers and businesses come in and volunteer their time from the community,” Ms Cooke said.
“So that’s been really special, to have them donate some beautiful products, donate their services, donate their time.
“I think people walk away and remember that and they remember that feeling of coming and being a part of something.”
With shopping credits, free beauty packs and free services, Ms Cooke said those who attended would have walked away with over $200 worth of goodies.
“There’s nothing more important than feeling empowered and pampered as a woman,” she said.
“It’s just a great way after the last few years to get together as a community and to just experience some connectivity and pampering to make you feel special and have some time out from our busy lives, and just enjoy being around other women, enjoy each other’s company, get a little bit spoiled.”
The Cire services not-for-profit supports women looking to get into or get back into the workforce, as well as offering high quality second hand clothing items for purchase.
“Coming here and knowing that it’s a safe environment and that they’re giving back because this is for a good cause, it’s giving back to the community.
“Then they can walk away feeling that they’re valued. As women we tend to put ourselves last not first so this is about putting women first and making them feel special.”
