Moores' Canadian Suit Drive aims to help at least 50,000 unemployed men

Retailer asks men to give 'suits off their backs' for June 28 - July 31 campaign 

TORONTO, June 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Believing that "clothes make the man", Moores Clothing for Men is doing everything it can to assist the overwhelming number of Canadian men looking for employment.

The company's annual Canadian Suit Drive launches today with events in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax and Ottawa. Street teams of men clad only in boxers, dress shoes, socks, and ties, will carry signs that read: "Give The Suit Off Your Back" in an effort to encourage Canadians to drop off their gently used professional clothing at any of 117 Moores stores across the country.

Collected items will go directly to almost 50 local recipient organizations providing job readiness programs for men seeking employment.  Donations will be accepted from June 28 through July 31, and Moores will thank donors by offering them 50% off their next purchase*.

The Canadian Suit Drive collects men's suits, shirts, jackets, pants, ties, belts and shoes.   This will be the third year that Moores is encouraging Canadians to clean out their closets and transform their gently used business wear into a second chance for deserving men facing barriers to employment.

According to Statistics Canada there are more than 742,800 working-age males unemployed across the country. Many of these men are facing significant disadvantages that make obtaining employment challenging. Moores is helping men suit up for success and has long believed that dressing well can boost a man's confidence.

"The clothing donated to us through the Canadian Suit Drive gives us the opportunity to provide men with clothing that is dignified for any occasion, whether they are attending a function or looking for employment. Many individuals who live in poverty do not fully participate in society, however, a new outfit can help them to reestablish their self confidence and participate in activities that the rest of us take for granted," said Carmen Salciccioli, Director of The Good Shepherd Centre - one of the Moores' 2012 recipient organizations.

The power of a suit in the workplace is not to be underestimated. According to the 2011 Well Dressed Men survey conducted by Ipsos-Reid, 67% of Canadians polled said they believed well-dressed men are more successful in the workplace than their casual colleagues and 33% of Canadian men believe they would be taken more seriously if they dressed better than they currently do.

In 2011 the campaign raised more than 40,000 professional clothing items; the goal for this year's Canadian Suit Drive is to collect a minimum of 50,000 gently used professional clothing items.

For a complete list of store locations and participating recipient organizations, visit www.canadiansuitdrive.com.

About Moores

Moores Clothing for Men operates 117 stores across Canada and carries a full selection of men's designer, brand name and private label suits, sport coats, furnishings and accessories.  Tuxedo rentals are also available.  For additional information, please visit the company's website at www.mooresclothing.com.

*Subject to certain restrictions.  See in-store for details.

Jessica Patriquin, PUNCH Canada, 416-360-6522, ext. 245, [email protected]
Katherine Griggs, PUNCH Canada, 416-360-6522, ext. 237, [email protected]