The leap from elementary to high school comes with plenty of emotions. Worrying about what to wear to graduation shouldn’t be one of them. At CF Toronto Eaton Centre, a sprawling urban shopping centre spanning multiple downtown Toronto blocks, the team understands its unique position to make a difference for the thousands of people who work, visit, and live in its orbit.

That’s why Yolanda Anderson and the CF Toronto Eaton Centre Guest Services team embraced a collaborative spirit when representatives from a local public school reached out to them to support students from a Grade 8 graduating class. This unique request came from a teacher who works closely with the local community, and after previous positive interactions with CF staff, saw an opportunity for collaboration. It was a chance to support students who may not have had the resources for new graduation outfits.

“It’s always rewarding when we can show that Cadillac Fairview (CF) is more than just a company; it’s an active and supportive part of the community,” said Yolanda Anderson, Senior Guest Services Representative at CF Toronto Eaton Centre. “We believe in continuously seeking opportunities to make a greater difference in our surrounding communities, and upholding that standard every year.”

This partnership was a way for Yolanda and her team to leverage their expertise in service and collaborate with colleagues and clients across the property. Yolanda contacted retail partners to arrange exclusive discounts, while clients in the surrounding offices, including employees at the CF’s head office, generously donated shoes, dresses and other graduation-ready items for students to choose from. To further support the event, each graduate received a $100 CF SHOP! card. 

“Watching this group of students prepare for their grad outfits brought back fond memories for our team,” said Yolanda. “Not everyone can afford to get a fancy dress or nice shoes, so we’re really proud of how we were able to come together and truly elevate this moment for our community, making graduation something special.”

With support from teams across CF Toronto Eaton Centre, the event was a huge success. Yolanda and the Guest Services team greeted the students, chaperoned by parents and teachers, and showed them the donated footwear, apparel, and accessories. They then helped guide the students to stores most appropriate for their graduation needs. To make the experience extra special on graduation day, the students gathered for a celebratory lunch at the sprawling Queen's Cross Food Hall, and MAC Cosmetics provided TikTok-worthy makeovers for 20 students ahead of the ceremony.

Thanks to the generosity of CF teams, retail partners, and office clients, these young graduates walked the stage dressed for success. The impact of this cross-property support resonated deeply, with students sharing heartfelt thank-you cards featuring messages of gratitude and special drawings of Yolanda and her team.

“This opportunity provided my team and I with exposure to other elements of our job, which isn’t just about helping guests day to day. It’s also about working together as a team for our community,” said Yolanda. “Giving back is one of the most fulfilling aspects of working at CF.”

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