Cinderella Project helps make grad a dream come true for hundreds of girls

Times Reporter

 

Grad season is upon us. Buying fancy dresses and getting their hair and nails done makes the experience for many girls, and has become a tradition within itself. 

When everything is said and done the dresses return to their garment bags to hang in closets, often for many years. 

While trying to determine what to do with her grad dress, former Strathmore resident Loralee Lenox found out about the Cinderella Project. 

“I had actually originally posted a dress for sale and then when no one was interested I figured it’s no use just keeping it,” said Lenox.

“It’s a beautiful dress, so somebody should appreciate it. I know from my graduating year that there were girls who couldn’t afford the $800 or $900 dresses that everyone else was getting. I figured there’s got to be some place that I can donate to where someone can appreciate it.”

It was through her inquiries that she was put in touch with Karen Harris, a teacher at Strathmore High School. Lenox was told about the Cinderella Project, a project which collects gently used grad, or bridesmaid dresses. 

“I heard of it through Karen Harris and I looked it up quick on the Internet. They take accessory donations, dress donations and cash donations,” said Lenox. 

“They require volunteers to do the hair and do the make-up.”

The Cinderella Project was begun in 2005 by Sir Winston Churchill High School in Calgary.  The staff and fashion students set out to collect 20 to 30 used gowns to donate to students around Calgary who were not able to financially attend their grad banquets. 

Since 2005 the project has grown, and on March 17 there were over 300 girls getting pampered and picking out dresses, the largest event yet.

“The selected candidates are chosen with assistance from the councilors at school, as we provide assistance to socially and financially disadvantaged ladies. More and more girls are donating their dress back to the project and lots ask if they can come back and volunteer, as the experience is so rewarding,” said Maureen Henderson, a board member of the Calgary Cinderella Project. 

Lenox is asking anyone interested in donating to drop off the gently used dresses at Crowther Memorial Junior High with Colin Lenox. Loralee will be in Strathmore on April 18 to pick them up and take them into Calgary to the Cinderella Project.