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Dress-Up December

Reclaiming December. Standing With Survivors. Supporting Stand ASA.

Dress-Up December began as one woman's way to reclaim a month marked by trauma. Today, it becomes a movement.

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Founded by Oak & Ink Publishing founder Samantha Laycock, Dress-Up December transforms the act of getting dressed up into one of healing, advocacy, and community support. 

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Throughout December, we're raising awareness and funds for Stand ASA, Calgary's sexual assault nonprofit that survivors guide to offer peer support, holistic healing workshops, and prevention-focused education.

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This month, we dress up to reclaim our stories AND to help others reclaim theirs. 

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Dress up. Donate. Stand with survivors.

THE STORY BEHIND DESS-UP DECEMBER

On December 18, 2003, Oak & Ink's founder survived a sexual assault that changed her life. For years, December was heavy, triggering, and isolating. 

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Then came a moment of reclamation.

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A choice to show up differently. Not to hide, but to dress up each day of December as a way to fight back against the pain the month carried. 

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Those daily outfits became a ritual of resilience. A reminder that healing can be bold. A statement that the body can remember, but it can also rise again. 

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Now, Dress-Up December is open to everyone.

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A community.

A challenge. 

A fundraiser.

A movement of survivors, supporters, and anyone who believes in healing and hope.

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How To Participate

You can join Dress-Up December in three simple steps:

1. Dress Up

Wear anything that makes you feel expressive, confident, powerful, or playful.

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There are NO rules. If you feel good in it, it counts!

2. Share your post

Share a photo or video on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook using the hashtags:

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#dressupdecember

#standwithsurvivors

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And tag:

@oakandinkpublishing

@stand.asa

3. Donate

Contribute directly to our fundraising page for Stand ASA.

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Every dollar helps Stand ASA continue to support survivors. 

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To learn more about what Stand ASA does, please read about their mission here. 

THE DRESS-UP DECEMBER GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the launch of this movement, Oak & Ink Publishing is hosting a month-long giveaway.

YOU CAN WIN:

  • Healing and Creativity Prize Bundle, which includes Writer's Affirmation Deck, Healing Journal, signed copy of one of my poetry books, and a mini journal.

  • A 1:1 mini coaching session (30 minutes) with Oak & Ink Publishing

  • A custom affirmation deck created by Samantha Laycock

  • Survivor Support Grand Prize Package that includes $100 bookstore gift card, Oak & Ink Product of your choice, a self-care bundle (includes tea, a candle, and a journal), and all 3 of Samantha Laycock's books.

HOW TO ENTER:

  • Post your outfit → 1 entry/day

  • Share the campaign to your stories → 1 entry/day

  • Donate through our Stand ASA link → 3 entries per donation

  • Tag a friend → 1 entry

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Everyone who participates will receive the Dress-Up December Digital Healing Bundle, which comes with a 10-page healing journal, phone wallpapers with affirmations, 12 survivor strength affirmations, a printable "I'm Dressing Up For..." card, Canva templates for Dress-Up December posts, and a love letter from Samantha Laycock. This bundle is our way of thanking you for standing with survivors.

Our Partner: Stand ASA

Stand ASA envisions a world free from victim shaming in which survivors can raise their voices and unite. A world where there is no stigma attached to sexual assault. 

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Their 3 overarching goals are:

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  1. Preventing sexual assault through education and community awareness.

  2. Providing peer support to survivors of sexual assault.

  3. Promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being through holistic healing practices. 

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Your participation in Dress-Up December creates real, immediate impact for survivors in Calgary.

Image by Becca Tapert

Dress-Up December is more than a fundraiser.

It is a statement that survivors are not alone.
It is a declaration that healing is possible.
It is a commitment to using our voices, our stories, and even our clothing to support those who need it most. 

Dress up.
Donate.
Share.
Stand with survivors. 

Join The Movement

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