For the past few weeks Jenni Peters has been “elbows deep in dresses.” The Madeira park hair stylist won’t be wearing the frills and tulle. Instead, she’s collecting the garments for Sunshine Coast high school graduates to wear to this year’s prom.
The project, which she’s calling Dreams Come True, involves collecting lightly used dresses, shoes, accessories and new undergarments for students to use free of charge.
Peters said the idea came to her while she was looking for ideas to promote her hair salon. She knew graduation would bring in business, but that triggered another thought – prom is expensive and retail choices on the Coast are few.
“Everything can be expensive, from the dress to the bra,” said Peters. “My mom was a single mom. I didn’t really have extra money – I was working at McDonald’s at the time and spent $39.99. I didn’t get a prom dress.”
Although the idea is meant to give grads some financial relief, Peters isn’t restricting it to those most in need. She wants everyone to access the service, which she hopes will reduce stigma and waste.
“Many of these dresses that have been donated have only been worn a few hours – it’s a nice way to keep things out of the landfill,” said Peters, who asked that those who use the dresses donate them back to the cause for next year rather than sell them. She expects at least 50 students to participate.
Peters was recently invited to tour Cinderella Project, a much larger service offered in Vancouver. Another woman in Prince George also offers free dresses and has been giving tips on how to organize the event. Both have supplied Peters with dresses.
About 30 volunteers are expected to help at the two-day fitting event, taking place April 6 and 7 at Chatelech Secondary School, which could include a makeup tutorial along with the fitting – Peters is ironing out the details.
So far she has collected approximately 150 dresses. Peters said the support from the community has been generous. Businesses and individuals have contributed handbags, jewelry, shoes and new undergarments.
For those who prefer pants, they’re out of luck, unless they’re graduating in 2020. “I have considered tuxes, but just don’t have the space,” said Peters. “It is my focus to get it happening for next year.”
Those with dresses to donate can do so seven days a week at Fossello’s Quality Clothing in Sechelt. Those interested in using the service can contact Peters at 604-399-9072.
