Cinderella Project makes grad attainable

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

In 2012 former Strathmore resident Loralee Lenox discovered the Cinderella Project. She had been trying to figure out what to do with the beautiful gown she had bought for grad. After not receiving any responses for the dress after posting it for sale, she knew there had to be someone who could appreciate it.
“There aren’t too many occasions to dress up in beautiful dresses like the ones you see at graduation. But the dresses are expensive and costs on top of that like hair and shoes can make this experience unattainable for some,” said Lenox.
“Graduation from high school takes effort and dedication and I think everyone deserves to have a positive and memorable grad experience. I waited years before donating my dress because it was so beautiful and I had some great memories wearing it … but it wasn’t doing anything but gathering dust in my closet. I decided I’d rather someone else enjoy it than have it hanging in a garment bag.”
She was put in touch with Strathmore High School teacher Karen Harris, who told her about the Cinderella Project.
The Cinderella Project began in 2005 with Sir Winston Churchill High School in Calgary. The staff and fashion students had set out to collect used gowns to donate to students around Calgary who were financially unable to attend their grad banquets.
Since 2005 those numbers have grown, with hundreds of girls getting the opportunity to be pampered and celebrate one of the most important events in their lives.
“It takes hard work to get a high school diploma and grad is the celebration of all this hard work,” said Lenox, which is why she is again collecting dresses. “Everyone deserves to take part regardless of income.”
Donations must be in good, clean, condition and grad-appropriate for girls ages 17-18. Other donations such as shoes, jewellery, evening bags and gift cards are also accepted.
Anyone wanting to donate can get in touch with Loralee Lenox on Facebook or by e-mail at loralee_lenox@live.ca. She plans to collect the donations and deliver them to Calgary on April 17.