Kilt Buying Question

[Colin]

Knowing you and your political stancs Raphael, I would have no doubts about the quality control, or the workmanship (supervision) of the kilts. So, yes I would buy one of your kilts, and would recommend the company to others. Besides, I know how the Hungarians are with kilts.

[Alan H]

http://www.eisenhowerfoundation.org/...oots/delancey/

It works. They don't muck around, though. If someone signs up for the program and then gets caught doing drugs, drinking or gets nailed for a misdeamenor or a felony, they're out. You miss your training sessions without a valid reason, documented... Gone, sorry, no second chances.

Kind of like how "the street" works.

They train people to be office workers, auto repair people, chefs, and so on. I've eaten at the Delancey Street restaurant. It's across the street and a few doors up from one of the marina's I often leave my boat at overnight when I'm in San Francisco. The Delancey Street restaurant competes directly with "non subsidized" restaurants in that part of San Francisco. Sometiems I go to one of those other restaurants, too.

Yeah, I'd buy a kilt from your company. But I also would buy a kilt from Bear or Rocky or Steve, or M.A.C. Newsome or Barb too.

[Geoduck]

Honestly, if I knew of a company like this I wouldn't hesitate, as long as QC was maintained.

In fact, I know that if my wife was aware of a company that made kilt with that type of mission, I probably would be pushed into putting my entire kilt budget towards them. She's big time "Pro-Whore." Her words not mine.

Great business idea Raph, I'd love to hear more about it, if you're thinking of someone specific.

[GMan]

I will tell you my buying philosophy on anything. I look at the quality, the price, and if they treat not only the customers, but their employees (including the sub contractors) fairly. I see no difference in buying a kilt differently than what I do with other things in my life.

[Raphael]

WOw!! Thanks for the spport guys!!

This is not my current project. After I made this posting, I realised that a project like this is very realistic. I just need to be in contact with the right people, a Project like this can lift off within a year.

[Geoduck]

My wife works for a company down here in Seattle that helps start small businesses, with a branch that helps minority run businesses and community outreach businesses as well. I might be able to find out if there's a BC version if you like. They helped start Utilikilts...

I'll see what I can do if you're interested.

[Silverlake_Punk]

My snotty remarks aside, I think it sounds like a great idea. I'm all for workers being treated like human beings, and I'm even more for people being given a shot at redemption.

However, having worked in Chicago for a church that ran a homeless shelter/soup kitchen, and having taught for the last seven years in South Central Los Angeles, I can say from experience that what you propose is bound to be a difficult undertaking.

What I'm about to say may rankle some, but it's based on direct observation, and it's certainly not meant to be condescending or a blanket condemnation.

Speaking with people at my school who study such things have said that, by and large, the mindset of the middle class is to delay gratification, while the mindset of the poor is to look for immediate gratification. That is to say, the people who can least afford to be careless with finances/personal responsibilities are the most likely make careless choices. It kinda boils down to this: what will make me happy right now? Buy a new Playstation or pay the water bill? Go to work now or get high and go later? Take my kid to visit grandma and miss two weeks of school or cut the visit short?

The most important things you'll have to teach are things that most working adults do without thinking: showing up on time, not getting high on lunch break, and taking responsibility when you screw up.

Again, my intention is not to offend, but to share what I’ve observed. All that said, I have my fingers crossed for you, Raphael.

Steve

[KMacT]

I can say from experience that what you propose is bound to be a difficult undertaking.

Agreed. My experience working with street youth in Toronto confirms this. Very difficult. Mind you, very very rewarding.

Having said that, I'm not sure that my experiences in Toronto and Steve's experiences in Chicago and L.A. will translate well into the third world. I have only suspicions here, but I wonder whether the mindset of the third world poor is different than what is experienced here in Canada and the United States.

Kevin

[Silverlake_Punk]

Maybe I misunderstood. Do you plan on doing this in Vancouver or elsewhere?

[Raphael]

If some one greelilghted this project, It will be in Vancouver to help the needed people to get off the street. Because I hate to travel!!