It’s hard to think about looking good when we’re unwell. It’s even worse for those of us who have a really serious illness like breast cancer, especially when there’s been a mastectomy involved.

Wendy’s Boutique at 158 Eleventh Ave in Tauranga (as well as at 166 Maunganui Road in Mount Maunganui and online) knows a lot about clothing and how it makes women feel. They have a range of clothing products to suit every taste, age and body shape and not only offer fashion but also style—your style! They’ve been around since the 80s so know a thing or two about what makes women look good and feel good about themselves. They’re also into helping others in the community and recently paid-it-forward $450 worth of clothing to the Breast Cancer Support Service (BCSS) in Tauranga so that some of their clients could be kitted out in a new outfit that makes them look good, feel good and gives them a self-confidence boost when they’re trying to manage cancer, treatment and changes in their body and lifestyle. Clothes really can make the woman.

BCSS is a charitable trust that offers practical help and support to those in the community who have been diagnosed and are trying to cope with breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in New Zealand, and one in nine of us will develop it within our lifetime, so we’ll all know someone who has had it or has it—maybe even ourselves. The thing is, the volunteers at BCSS have all dealt with breast cancer themselves so they’ve walked in the shoes of those they’re now supporting. They know—really know—what it’s like to deal with the “C” word. The clothing from Wendy’s was just another way that BCSS can support and help its clients.

Next time you’re out shopping for a new outfit or want to treat yourself to a new garment, why not head to one of Wendy’s stores and add to the pay-it-forwards when you do. Every little helps.

JAIME BOUCLE CARDIGAN