Collecting formal wear for a good cause

Erik Dickson
The Brock Press
February 17, 2010

While most Brock students have settled into the second semester and are looking forward to reading week, many high school students are already making plans for the pinnacle of their educational careers – prom.

Unfortunately, for some of these students, booking a limo, buying a dress or renting a tuxedo are easier said than done. The financial burden that comes along with finding the right formal clothing will force some to miss out on the big day.

Community Connections is hoping that with a little help from Brock students, and a well-timed week at home, the second annual Prom Project will be a success.

Organized by the Education Foundation of Niagara, the Prom Project will give donated formal wear to high school and grade eight students who cannot afford to purchase it themselves. Last year, about 100 students were provided with formal wear, with Brock contributing 18 prom dresses.

“There is a need for this project because formal wear is expensive, and often students do not have the means to afford it,” said project organizer Brittany Stewart. “This usually results in students feeling bad about themselves on their special day – something we’d like to avoid.”

Community Connections will be collecting clothing items at Brock from February until May 1.

Although the Prom Project is only in its second year in Niagara, similar initiatives have been happening in communities in the United States for at least the last five years.

Donated items – which can include dresses, shirts, pants and accessories – will be distributed to warehouses that students can visit
Stewart says that she hopes to double the number of dresses donated this year, which would mean about 36 students being able to experience graduation or prom.

“I hope to get people as pumped up about the project as I am,” she said.

Originally Printed: The Brock Press