“Gowns, suits, separates, ties, accessories, shoes. Donate them and in turn, we’re going to turn around and we’re going to make sure that any youths in the area that need something fancy to wear to their prom or graduation has access to that, free of charge.”
Cressman says it’s about removing financial barriers that keep youths from participating in meaningful activities.
“We know that the cost of some of these gowns or even suits in the store when they’re brand new are, a lot of times, out of reach. And for many of them, they’re either graduating or they’re off to prom which marks the end of their high school career. And it’s a real time of celebration and we just want everybody to look and feel their best.”
She adds it just makes sense for the two organizations to work together on the initiative.
“We serve a very similar mandate. Our population is kids and making sure that kids have equal opportunities and all the things that they need in life to thrive. We do it a little differently but at the end of the day we can really work together to make this event bigger than ever.”
In April, students can stop by special pop-up shops around Hastings and Prince Edward Counties to find their perfect outfit.
