With the return of in-person proms, so has returned a local initiative offering free dresses to local youth.
On April 21, any Sunshine Coast student – whether they attend a high school, the alternative school, or are home-schooled – can go to the Chatelech Secondary School and pick out a prom dress. The Dreams Come True event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and those interested are asked to register in advance with founder and organizer Jenni Peters by texting or calling 604-399-9072 or emailing [email protected].
Students can pick out shoes, accessories, and of course a dress.
Peters has a stock of more than 300 dresses (stored in the off season at her own and friends’ houses). The dresses have come from all over B.C., including from a connection up in Prince George and through the Lower Mainland’s Cinderella Project. Peters also accepts donations, noting in particular that she needs more plus-size dresses (size 14 and up) and larger shoes (sizes 9, 10, 11 and up).
Local seamstress Bernardine Somogyi has also helped the Dreams Come True project by taking out zippers and putting in corsets, so the dresses aren’t so size-restrictive, said Peters.
Peters is also still looking for volunteers who can do hair and makeup for attendees but if no one can be found, there won’t be hair and makeup available as there has been in the past. “Sometimes when you're dealing with teenagers, it can be a little too much and overwhelming,” explained Peters. “[Hair and makeup] is just a way to get them to refocus…[and] for them to see the full package deal.”
Though regaining the momentum and energy of the pre-COVID events has been tough, Peters finds it important to provide this opportunity for what can be an expensive part of one’s graduating year. And it’s rewarding, “Seeing the girls’ smiles at the end of it all.
“When you see the little sparks fly in their eyes, once they feel totally happy. It's really awesome.”
